In 2006, the Tribal Trust Foundation answered a call from the Monpa people of Bhutan to document their ancient culture, one of the last Indigenous communities in the Himalayas still living in close harmony with the natural world. Upon their request, while the government had begun plans for a genocide of these peace-loving people, we began filming in order to preserve and share their unique traditions, ecological wisdom, and profound cultural heritage. It worked. Recently, the Royal family of Bhutan declared the Monpa wisdom traditions a national treasure that would be integrated into the country’s contemporary and forward-thinking education system.
Our short film featuring the Monpa, a micro of the macro
In 2016, I met Sonam, a young girl who has since come to play a very important role in both her village and our Tribal Trust community. For many years, one of our donors has sponsored her schooling as she plans to earn a medical degree with the goal of caring for the people of her village. Now 16, Sonam has spent the last few years navigating two distinct worlds: her busy and focused boarding school life in the city; the other, where her heart remains, back in her mountain village where she returns on school breaks to stay connected to her roots.
Sonam’s story reminds us of the resilience we all carry within us as we navigate a rapidly changing world while staying true to what matters most—the natural world, our cultural heritage, and a spirit of curiosity.
On October 10, we return to Bhutan to capture the final footage needed to tell Sonam’s unique story. We’ll be joined by our TTF Travel Trip guests, as well as a full film crew — both Bhutanese and American — including Druksel Dorji, Mark Laisure, Chris Patton, and Walker Barnard. Meanwhile, back in California, Producer Kimberly Danek Pinkson and Director Téana David are working behind the scenes to help us make this film all that it deserves to be.
More than a film
This film is a living testimony to the Monpa way of life; a culture at risk of being lost, yet offering exactly the guidance our modern world needs in these times of ecological and spiritual crisis.
Thanks to visionary donors who see the importance of documentation and storytelling to preserve Indigenous wisdom and learn from it to build the more beautiful world we all know is possible, we are well on our way of making this film.
This film will be not only a powerful archival record of Monpa traditions waiting to be shared with the world, but also a recounting of Sonam’s journey, a microcosm of the macro of what is possible when ancient Indigenous wisdom traditions are met with modern intelligence in good ways, and with reciprocity.
Thank you to the generous Tribal Trust Foundation Community Member whose anonymous donation is making this film possible.
Thank you for considering making a DONATION TODAY.