The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan has existed for centuries in voluntary isolation from the outside world. Guided by the principles of Buddhist compassion, a philosophy of Gross National Happiness, and the values of environmental preservation, Bhutan has chosen a very different path than any other country on earth.

In this short documentary, acclaimed filmmaker Mickey Lemle (COMPASSION IN EXILE: THE STORY OF THE 14TH DALAI LAMA, RAM DASS: FIERCE GRACE) conducts an in-depth investigation of what it means to be a young person in Bhutan today. As a guest of the royal family and Bhutans foremost youth organization, Lemle was granted unprecedented access to film a cross-section of people and organizations related to youth in Bhutan. We learn how young Bhutanese are coping with the rapid changes afoot in their nation, and how they are balancing the traditional past with an increasingly globalized future.

Bhutan: The Next Generation weaves together personal stories to presents a glimpse of what it means to be a young person in 21st century Bhutan. The film is a project of the Bhutan Youth Development Fund (YDF), the countrys foremost youth organization. The Bhutan YDF commissioned this film to raise awareness of youth issues in their nation and to engage new supporters for its cause.

Some of the youth interviewed include: adolescent monks, artist-activists, radio DJs, young entrepreneurs, special needs/handicapped youth, and recovering addicts. In addition to many youth, we hear also hear from QUEEN Ashi Tshering Pem Wangchuck, discussing her passion for helping youth; Dasho Karma Ura- renown scholar & mastermind of the Bhutanese philosophy of Gross National Happiness; and Yandey Penjor, Director of the Bhutan Youth Development Fund.

“Bhutan: The Next Generation” was made in a nation that is normally off-limits to foreign media. It was also filmed in 2008, the pivotal year Bhutan transitioned from absolute monarchy to democracy.

Working with Mickey Lemle presents an opportunity to partner with one of Americas best documentarians. Bhutan: The Next Generation was commisioned to be a compelling portrait of Bhutanese youth and the challenges they face. If you provide funding for this film, you will also be providing the Bhutan Youth Development Fund with an important leveraging tool to raise awareness for their charitable work.