A group of teenagers are making a film, Ngye Sem Gi Story, to tell their side of the story

Project: Like many people their age, a group of students have started to dream dreams to make it big in the entertainment industry. About 15 teenagers are working on producing a short-film to tell the story of an ordinary student through the lens of a youth.

Based on a true event, the movie is the idea of a 19-year-old, Tandin Wangchuk, the protagonist and the scriptwriter of the film. “I’ve been working on the story for the last two years,” he said. “The movie has some personal experiences from my schooldays.”

Titled Ngye Sem Gi Story the film has multiple themes surrounding youth. The director of the film, Ugyen Phuntsho Rabgay, 19, said parents and teachers need to understand their children and students better. “Education is important but it is not everything,” he said. “Only a handful of students may be good in academics but that doesn’t determine his or her character.” Ugyen said that the innate qualities of different individuals need to be given importance and encouraged.

The message of the film is to highlight the importance of understanding individuals based on their different abilities and interest, said Tandin Wangchuk. “Our movie is a reaction of the general youth towards elders who have a preconceived notion about us, which may not be always correct,” he said.

Ugyen said that although the team lacks experience and technical know-how on movie making, the past week has been a rollercoaster ride for the cast and crew. “Most of us met for the first time on the set but within a short span of time, we’ve developed a strong bond,” he said.

Karma Pema Tshomo, 18, one of the lead actors in the film said the experience has been rewarding and full of surprises. “The platform has given me an opportunity to learn not only about acting but also gain confidence,” she said.

Another actor, Karma Deki Wangdi, 17, said the movie would attempt to break the barrier that exists between parents and children today. “The moral of the movie will be an important factor in helping parents understand their children better,” she said.

The shooting for the film will take 10 days and a few more weeks for editing and recording. Ugyen said they plan to screen the movie in all schools across the country. However, the team is facing serious financial shortage for the screening.

The 30-45 minutes long movie is made with a financial support of Nu 120,000 from the Y-Coop Production in association with Dasho Phorab Entertainment.

Younten Tshedup