Bhutan: the Himalayan Paradise facing Westernization

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Archery in Bhutan is a rich part of the cultural fabric. Traditional archery matches are community-wide events involving song, dance, food, and drink. However, both internal and external forces have begun to change the face of the game. For one, imported high-tech equipment has replaced traditional bamboo bows and arrows. In addition, in an effort to perform better at international-level archery competitions, the government has begun a grassroots campaign to introduce international-style archery to every school by the year 2020, which threatens the cultural legacy for future generations. Through a tapestry of individual stories intertwined with interviews from the country’s leaders, Kingdom of Archers explores the many facets of archery in Bhutan and addresses the challenges of cultural preservation against the forces of modernization, westernization, and economic development.
Director: ROBERT HIXON HANSON