The Next Guardian

Happiness ranks high on the political agenda in Bhutan, but what is happiness exactly? This is a question that directors Arun Bhattarai and Dorottya Zurbó (Agent of Happiness, 2024) already explored in this gentle, reflective portrait of a Bhutanese family. The Next Guardian, filmed against the spectacular backdrop of the Himalayas, shows how two generations ascribe different meanings to the concept.

For the parents, happiness is closely tied to traditional values and the preservation of cultural identity. The father takes care of a monastery that has been in the family for centuries, a role he hopes to pass on to his eldest son, Gyembo. The problem is that Gyembo is not eager to devote his life to Buddhist spirituality and asceticism.

While Gyembo quietly struggles with the weight of family tradition, his sister Tashi has a clear path in mind: becoming a professional soccer player. She has set her sights on a football camp where players are scouted for the national team. It is also an environment in which she feels able to fully express her masculine identity.