Hema Hema

Release Date: August 10, 2016

Director: Khyentse Norbu

Genre: Drama and Thriller

"Hema Hema: Sing Me a Song While I Wait," a thought-provoking Bhutanese drama by lama and director Khyentse Norbu, delves into the theme of masked anonymity in a spiritual context. Set against the backdrop of Bhutan's enchanting woods, the film revolves around a group of individuals who come together for fifteen days of liberating anonymity, donning masks to escape their past and future, existing solely in the present. This unusual and eerie ritual forms the core of the narrative, blending the exoticism of Bhutan with Buddhist spiritual philosophy. The film, rich in visual imagery yet challenging in its narrative structure, explores the notion of collective identity concealment, a concept that resonates with Eastern spiritual ideas but may pose interpretive challenges to audiences unfamiliar with these concepts. 

The story follows a character known as "Expressionless" (played by Tshering Dorji) who joins a secret gathering in a forest, organized every twelve years by an elderly figure named Agay (Thinley Dorji). In this secluded commune, participants revel in the anonymity provided by their masks, shedding their past and present identities. The atmosphere of freedom and instinctual behavior, however, comes with its own set of challenges, as human emotions like lust and jealousy intensify. The film's exploration of these themes is grounded in its inventive premise, which, contrary to initial assumptions, is not based on traditional Bhutanese rituals but is inspired by contemporary concepts like chat rooms and the anonymity they offer.

"Hema Hema" has garnered international recognition, winning awards at the Toronto International Film Festival and Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival. This acclaim is a testament to Norbu's skillful direction and the film's compelling narrative. While the film's storytelling is richly layered with invented exoticism and spiritual allegory, its visual appeal is undeniable. Shot in Bhutan’s southeastern forests, the cinematography captures the natural beauty and contrasts it with the starkly different setting of a modern nightclub. The colorful masks, a key element in the film, add a visual allure but also create a barrier, emphasizing the theme of hidden identities. "Hema Hema" is a cinematic experience that invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of identity and freedom, offering a unique perspective from the rich cultural tapestry of Bhutan.