A small but exquisite country, Bhutan is located between Russia and China. While traditional archery has been practiced for many years in Bhutan as part of its culture, Bhutan claimed archery as its national sport when it joined the United Nations in 1971.
In this film, director Robert Hixon Hanson interviews individuals involved in transforming the practice of traditional archery performed with bamboo bows and arrows, to a sport using compound bows with aluminum arrows—normally used in international competitions.
With wonderful cinematography that shows off the mountainous region, picturesque localities, and Bhutan’s unique architecture, Hanson captures the traditional culture, warm people, and the many changes brought to the country through economic development.
His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck describes how archery is a part of Bhutan’s tradition; while bows were important for fighting battles in the past, now archery is a sport that brings communities together with tournaments featuring food, drink, dancing, songs, and much cheering.
One archer believes traditional archery is still appealing; even though the person hits the target less, it is more interesting and enjoyable. The prince states that the compound bow “is more efficient and brings excitement and a new dynamic” to traditional archery. He stresses that change is vital to avoid extinction. His Excellency Lyonpo Dr. Kinzang Dorji tells how parliament finally accepted imports and use of the compound bow “to further traditional archery”, however, no additions such as triggers, sites, or clickers would be allowed. This new archery is also seen as a way for Bhutan to enter international competitions, including the Olympics.
In Thimphu, Tsewang Rinche—organizer and member of the Bhutan Archery Federation—plans the large Yangphel Open Archery Tournament. Since the society is a matriarchy and men may go off to play archery while the women work near the home, prizes include a gift for the family. The first-place winner gets an iPad and a washing machine, the second-place winner receives a mini iPad and a refrigerator, and the third-place winner gets a laptop and microwave. In Radi, a traditional bow maker creates a bamboo bow using both electric and hand tools, like the machete; he talks about how life has improved with electricity, paved roads, and hospitals.
The Bhutan Archery Federation makes a commitment to prepare all of Bhutan’s schools for participation in international competitions and the Olympics by introducing the style of practice adopted for Olympic competitions. One coach Sherab Zam describes how she selects four of the best children from a six-school competition for training to compete in Russia. At the Bhutan Archery Federation, many young women are training for competition. As a footnote, one archer, Karma, participated in the 2021 Olympics. An intimate look at a wonderful country and people, this film is recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P.