CHONEY ZANGMO
Thimphu
Bhutan’s cinematic landscape has reached new heights with the internationally acclaimed feature film I, the song, written and directed by celebrated filmmaker Dechen Roder. Produced by Dakinny Productions
and Samuh, the film has not only mesmerized audiences at home but has also made a resounding impact across international film festivals.
Starring Tandin Bidha and Jimmy Wangyal Tshering in lead roles, and supported by a talented cast including Sonam Lhamo, Dorji Wangdi, and Tshering Dorji, I, THE SONG tells a powerful story set against the backdrop
of modern Bhutan. The narrative follows Nima, a schoolteacher falsely accused of appearing in a pornographic video. In a desperate bid to clear her name, she embarks on a soul-searching journey through Bhutan’s
southern region to find her lookalike—Meto, a mysterious woman whose life was marked by music, love, and loss.
Once in the dilapidated town, she is told that her doppelgänger, Meto, skipped town and emigrated to the USA. Unconvinced, Nima starts to dig around through close encounters with Meto’s most intimate friends: her former boyfriend, Tandin, a bohemian musician; her best friend, the joyful and carefree Chuni, who worked with her in a printing factory; and Phuntsho, her former employer.
A visit to Meto’s home village and family only confuses Nima further, since Meto’s brother is convinced Meto is still in Bhutan, while her grandmother is waiting for Meto’s return from the city, after attempting to recover a sacred song which was “stolen” by ‘city people’.
As Nima begins to unravel the fragments of Meto’s life and relationships, she finds herself dangerously entangled in a web of uncertainty and insecurity. But, as her anger towards Meto transforms into serious concern, she realizes that she is the only person who can find both the answer to Meto’s disappearance and ‘recover’ the stolen song.
Moving between Nima’s search and Meto’s tumultuous Past life of singer, I, the song is a film about exploitation, music, identity, love, and a culture balanced precariously on the threshold of a reckless digital age.
The film delves deep into themes of identity, digital exploitation, cultural preservation, and the healing power of music. With an evocative score by Tashi Dorji and stunning visuals enhanced by Pem Lham’s production
design and Kunzang Wangmo’s costume artistry, the film delivers a cinematic experience that is both emotional and thought-provoking.
I, the song had its world premiere at the prestigious Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia in November 2024, where Dechen Roder won the “Best Director” award. The film has since been screened at other renowned festivals including the Vesoul International Film Festival for Asian Cinema (France), Fribourg International Film Festival (Switzerland), and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival (USA), as well as major Indian festivals in Goa, Bengaluru, and Ajanta-Ellora.
At the 2025 Bhutan National Film Awards, I, the song swept the top honours, winning eight awards. The film has already been acquired for theatrical release in Norway, and the film agent- Diversion is
currently pursuing other international sales and theatrical releases.
Among its growing fanbase is local viewer Dorji Lhamo, who was deeply moved by the film. “I, the song is not just a film—it’s an emotional journey,” she said. “The story is so real, raw, and beautifully told. I felt connected to every character, especially Nima’s struggle and strength. I highly recommend everyone to watch it—it’s a film that stays with you.”
With theatrical distribution already secured in Norway and more international sales in the pipeline through film agent Diversion (www.diversion-th.com), I, the song set to become one of Bhutan’s
most important cultural exports, shining a spotlight on the country’s rich storytelling traditions and contemporary challenges.
As Bhutanese cinema continues to evolve, I, the song stands as a landmark achievement, blending artistic vision with social commentary— and leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
