THE MONK AND THE GUN Digital Streaming Premiere Date Revealed

Courtesy Roadside Attractions

Roadside Attractions is expected to release the Bhutanese drama THE MONK AND THE GUN on VOD and digital platforms later this month, arriving on March 22nd, 2024. The film world-premiered at the 2023 Telluride Film Festival before launching in US theaters on February 9th, 2024. Please note: Roadside Attractions has neither announced nor confirmed the release date.

The Monk and the Gun was directed, written and co-produced by Pawo Choyning Dorji and stars Tandin Wangchuk, Deki Lhamo, Pema Zangmo Sherpa, Tandin Sonam, Harry Einhorn, Choeying Jatsho, Tandin Phubz, Yuphel Lhendup Selden and Kelsang Choejay. It was selected as the Bhutanese entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards, and was one of the 15 finalist films in the December shortlist.

The film follows the story of Tashi, a young monk in Bhutan, and Ron Coleman, an American visitor. Tashi's lama asks for guns, an odd request considering the rarity of guns in Bhutanese society. Meanwhile, Ron is in Bhutan to acquire an antique rifle for a collector. The film explores Bhutan's movement towards democracy, while satirizing the fascination for guns and violence suggested as endemic in democratic society. The villagers humorously attempt to understand elections, while tension builds as Ron's and Tashi's stories intertwine. In the end, the movie leaves the audience to consider the true nature of modern democracy and the allure of firearms.

We’ve added the release date to our streaming calendar. Check out the trailer below.