PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FILMSCENE AND IOWA CITY WELCOMING WEEK

The Monk and the Gun is a Bhutanese film set in 2006 during the country’s transition from a constitutional monarchy to a democracy. The film explores this period through intertwined narratives: a young monk tasked with finding a gun for his lama, an American searching for a historic firearm, and villagers navigating their first democratic election.

These stories unfold against Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and a society encountering modernity and Western culture for the first time​ while offering a satirical and thought-provoking commentary on democracy, modernization, and cultural change. It highlights the challenges and paradoxes faced by a traditionally isolated society opening up to global influences, including the introduction of democratic processes and the clash of cultural values​.

In the context of global democracy and the upcoming U.S. elections, The Monk and the Gun provides a nuanced reflection on the value of democratic participation and the influence of external cultural forces. It invites viewers to consider the complexities and consequences of political and cultural transitions, making it a relevant and engaging piece for discussions on the state of democracy worldwide and the factors that shape electoral processes and outcomes​.