22/02/2026
Gratitude post:
We would like to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to the many individuals and organizations who made the National Film Awards 2026 possible. First and foremost, our heartfelt thanks go to Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority- BICMA and the (MoICE) for their exceptional efforts in organizing the event, with meticulous preparations beginning months in advance.
We are equally grateful to the jury for their dedication and discernment. We can only imagine the challenge—reviewing 21 feature films and selecting a single winner, especially when every entry was so competitive. It truly speaks to the strength of this year's lineup.
Reflecting on the journey of Bhutanese cinema, it’s remarkable to see how far we’ve come. In the years following the pandemic, annual film production dipped to as low as five to seven movies. This year, having 21 films in the running is a powerful testament to the resilience and revival of our industry. This comeback would not have been possible without the support of multiple stakeholders—particularly institutions like the Department of Media, Creative Industry & Intellectual Property (DoMCIIP), financial institutions, and most importantly, the Film Association of Bhutan (FAB), led by Yeshey Tshering sir, a true leader and our mentor.
The diversity of this year’s nominations reflects a shared commitment to offering audiences meaningful and varied cinematic experiences—a deeply rewarding moment for all filmmakers involved. We were especially proud to have contributed two films to this year’s lineup—Dasho Driver and Drala—adding to the richness and competitiveness of the selection.
That said, as we’ve always believed, the greatest reward comes from the unconditional love of our audience. Your warmth and connection during screenings are what truly keep us going. We remain committed to exploring new genres, ideas, and talents, and to continuing to offer you stories that entertain and inspire. For that, we remain forever grateful.
P.S. This would have been our acceptance speech if we had taken home a major award. But even without one, it would have felt incomplete not to share our gratitude. So here’s our little moment to say thank you. 🤭
With best regards,
thanking you,
Dasho Driver and Drala team 💐☺️🫶
