Dorji Choden 

The National Script Development Grant (NSDG) concluded its second edition on December 15 in Thimphu with two winners receiving cash prizes of USD 1,000 and USD 700, alongside certificates. 

Chosen from 33 applicants, five aspiring writers were selected for the programme, where they transformed their ideas into feature film treatments.

NSDG, initiated by Golan Pictures in collaboration with the Department of Media, Creativity, and Intellectual Property (DoMCIIP) under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MoICE), aims to nurture Bhutanese screenwriters and filmmakers while enhancing the quality of Bhutanese cinema.

At the event, MoICE Secretary Tashi Wangmo reaffirmed the government’s continued support for the creative industry. 

“Through the economic stimulus plan, a good share of the budget is being allocated to the creative industry. We’ll provide certain infrastructure that is necessary to promote this creative industry, like we are planning to have two state-of-the-art cinema halls,” she said.

The cinema halls, each with a seating capacity of 200, will be built in Bajo, Wangdue, and Samdrupjongkhar, expected to be completed by July 2026.

Chand, the founder of Golan Pictures, shared his inspiration behind the NSDG. 

“I started this national script development grant to breathe life into stories, a space where creativity is nurtured, where words take wings, and where Bhutanese writers from all walks of life find their way and find their voice. This initiative is not just about crafting stories; it’s about inspiring storytellers to take their rightful place in the ecosystem of cinema writers,” said Tashi Wangmo.

This year’s programme included a 10-day intensive mentorship led by national expert Tashi Gyeltshen, with support from international experts through interactive sessions.

The winners will use their grants to further develop their scripts and pitch their projects at international markets, potentially attracting global investors to bring their feature films to life.