Pawo Choyning Dorji (; born 23 June 1983) is a Bhutanese filmmaker and photographer. His feature directorial debut Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (2019) was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards. His second film The Monk and the Gun (2023) was shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film for the 96th Academy Awards.

Dorji is the youngest recipient of Bhutan's highest civilian award, the Druk Thuksey, the Heart Son of the Thunder Dragon. It was bestowed to him by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In June, 2024, Dorji received an Honorary Doctorate in the Fine Arts from his Alma Mater Lawrence University, and was the commencement speaker for the graduating class.

Early life and education The son of a diplomat, Dorji grew up in Bhutan, India, Switzerland, Kuwait and the United States. He attended Kodaikanal International School during his time in India and Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School back in Bhutan. He graduated with a degree in government from Lawrence University in the United States in 2006. He then completed a qualification in Buddhist philosophy at the Sarah Buddhist Institute in 2009.

Career As a photographer, Dorji has contributed to publications such as VICE, Esquire, and Life. He has authored a number of photography essay books. His third book Light of the Moon was shot over the course of five years.

Dorji, a devout Buddhist, is a student of renowned Buddhist master and filmmaker Khyentse Norbu and discovered filmmaking through working with him, first as director's assistant on Vara: A Blessing (2013) and then as producer of Hema Hema (2016).

Dorji filmed his feature directorial debut over the course of two months at a remote school in the Himalayan village of Lunana. Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom had its world premiere at the 63rd BFI London Film Festival. The film won Audience Choice and Best of the Fest award at the 2020 Palm Springs International Film Festival. It was initially intended to be Bhutan's second submission for Best International Feature at the 93rd Academy Awards, but due to an error was resubmitted the following year, becoming Bhutan's first Oscar nomination. Dorji responded saying "The most magical part of this is it was so unexpected... I hope it inspires Bhutanese and Himalayan filmmakers." This was only Bhutan's second overall submission in the history of the Oscars. The Cup, the directorial debut of Dorji's teacher, Khyentse Norbu, was the first Bhutanese submission, in 1999.

Dorji was invited to become a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, having been invited to join the academy as part of both the Directors and Writers branch. He eventually joined the Academy as part of the Directors branch.

On 17 December 2022, on the 115th National Day of Bhutan, Dorji was awarded the highest civilian award in Bhutan the Royal Order of Bhutan, the Druk Thuksey, the Heart Son of the Thunder Dragon, by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. A Royal Order bestowed to recognize distinguished service to the Bhutanese nation and people. Dorji became the youngest recipient in the history of Bhutan and the first Bhutanese film maker to be awarded the Druk Thuksey.

Dorji's second feature film The Monk and the Gun had its world premiere at the 50th Telluride Film Festival. The film had its International Premiere at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival as part of the festival's Centrepiece Programme. Bhutan submitted The Monk and the Gun as Bhutan's official submission for the Best International Feature Film race at the 96th Academy Awards, and it was shortlisted.

In 2026, Dorji collaborated with cellist Yo-Yo Ma on the short documentary A Song for the Snow Lion. The 21-minute film, set in the Himalayas of Bhutan, uses a traditional folktale about the mythical Snow Lion to explore the effects of climate change and melting Himalayan glaciers, and features Ma performing alongside Bhutanese folk singer Kelden Lhamo. The collaboration began after Ma, having seen Dorji's Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, approached him about working together on a project concerning global warming and the retreat of the Himalayan glaciers. A Song for the Snow Lion premiered at the 53rd Telluride Film Festival in September 2026.

Personal life Dorji married Taiwanese actress and producer Fan Yuin "Stephanie" Lai, daughter of playwright Stan Lai, in 2009. They have a daughter and a son. The family split their time between Taiwan, Bhutan, and India.

Bibliography Seeing Sacred: Lights & Shadows Along the Path Turquoise Heart: Bhutanese remembers a Bhutanese (2017) The Light of the Moon: The Legacy of Xuanzang of Tang (2019)

Filmography + Year Title Director Writer Producer Other Notes 2013 Vara: A Blessing Stills photographer 2016 Hema Hema 2019 Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom Feature directorial debut Nominated — 94th Academy Award for Best International Feature Film 2023 The Monk and the Gun World Premiere at TFF, International Premiere at TIFF and screening at BIFF. Shortlisted- 96th Academy Award for Best International Feature Film2024 Tales of Taipei (愛情城事) 2026 A Song for the Snow Lion World Premiere at TFF 2027 The People’s King

Honours

Royal Order of Bhutan Medal [Druk Thuksey] (17 December 2022).115th National Day

References

External links