Bhutan, The Cloud Kingdom October 21, 2008

Tom Sterling presents "Bhutan, The Cloud Kingdom"

Like most of Tom
Sterling’s films, this one transports the viewer to an unusual site or region -
this time to the last independent Buddhist Kingdom, Bhutan. The kingdom
was founded in 747 by an Indian saint. From the start, it sought isolation
from the outside world. Up to the later part of the 20th century, it was
largely an unknown land, filled with myth and legend. Beginning in the
1970’s, it began to open up to tourism, but it limits the number of visitors
per year to avoid spoiling its culture and environment with commercialism
and too much outside influence. Now it faces the problem of how to
preserve its gentle Buddhist culture from the effects of modern technology
like television. Sterling’s film is worth seeing, not just for the look at this
unique culture, but also for the spectacular landscapes, the lush rainforests,
the glorious monasteries, the quaint villages and the wildlife unique to the
Himalayas-in short, a visit to a true Shangri-la.

Travelogue Films

It’s more than a movie!

In-person narration, live and on stage, adds excitement and immediacy to every show. Hear firsthand accounts of speakers’ adventures as they take you with them for in-depth views of unique places and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Meet them at intermission and after the show. Enjoy knowing some of the most seasoned travelers on the globe.

BAKERSFIELD ADULT SCHOOL
Cultural Studies Program
PRESENTS
THE NATION'S LEADING FILM PRODUCERS WITH LIVE NARRATION
OPEN FORUM TRAVEL
SERIES
PLACE: Bakersfield High School - Harvey Auditorium
1316 G Street
DAY: Tuesday
TIME: 3:30 p.m.-5:30p.m. & 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
For more information call: (661) 871-0146

Bhutan is one of the three small countries between China and India, along with Nepal and Tibet. It has purposely sought to isolate itself high in the Himalayan mountains south of Mt. Everest.

Bhutan’s king took note of the deleterious aspect of tourism in Tibet and Nepal, and not wanting to subject his own country to such negative impacts, he has enacted some tough stipulations for visitors. Each visitor must pay the kingdom $240 a day for the privilege of entering. This serves to restrict the influx of backpackers and other economy travelers.

The result is a nation of people living very much as they have for centuries. This country was never invaded by a foreign power, so its monasteries and art treasures are largely intact. There are probably around 2,000 temples and monasteries... it has been a religious country since its beginning in the 8th Century.

By western standards, Bhutan may even seem a little backward. But this backwardness is the singular source of it’s appeal and charm. There’s only one highway. The roadwork and paving is still being done by hand. Farming too, is largely a manual enterprise. Mechanization has made few inroads into farming practices, so Bhutan may be virtually the only place—certainly one of the few places—where cultivating with wooden plows and oxen is still common. Rice fields and other cultivated areas are often filled with people as they work communally to produce their food.

Tom Sterling has captured this country and its customs, people, and even its wildlife, in a stunning panorama. The color, people in their homes, at work, performing artful dances..., which are part of their sacred traditions as well as folk culture. Tom shows us details of Bhutanese homes, sleeping and eating customs that are so different to our own. The wild creatures and birds, also different than anything we see in the mountains of our own country.

There is so much that remains unknown to us about Bhutan. That is what accounts for its fascination for us. Tom Sterling has captured it in an engrossing and captivating way. You too will be fascinated.