Filmmaking is a completely imperfect art form that takes and over those years, the video tells you what it is. Mistakes happen, accidents happen and true great films are the result of those mistakes and the decisions that those directors make during those moments.
It takes a lot of bravery and work to pursue one’s passion as a career. However, Yeshi Lhendup took action rather than just waiting for things to happen. He charted his course and pursued his goals, believing he could succeed. He now runs his own audiovisual production company under his name. Taking its name from its creator, Yeshi Lhendup Films is currently the most wellliked entertainment account in the country.
Yeshi is behind the camera with amazing music videos every fourth night on the YouTube Channel. With no prior experience in photography, filmmaking, or editing, he received his degree from Sherubtse College in 2015. However, his enthusiasm and desire were what propelled him to become the independent business owner he is today.
“We started making films and short videos back when I was in my final year of college. My friends began encouraging me to do this as a career, so I did. I started working in an audiovisual-related position in one of the private companies soon after graduating. I began practicing as a result of working there and learning new things. I made the decision not to take the RCSC exam as a result. The majority of parents encourage their kids to take the test. Even though my parents pushed me to take the exam, I persuaded them after a few months that I would be better off pursuing filmmaking rather than working for the government,” he explained.
Yeshi Lhendup Films has crossed over 233K subscribers with 300 content videos and his followers across his social media apps such as YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook have drastically increased. He becomes the first YouTube channel in Bhutan to receive the silver button from YouTube. “Achieving the silver play button is an honor and we thank everyone in this milestone journey together. Bhutan being a small country with over half a million population, crossing a hundred thousand subscribers is a dream come true,” he shared.
This popularity is especially notable among young people. The photography and visual quality of the music videos contribute to his success and popularity. His short content and music videos also offer new talented youths to showcase their talents to people.
However, it was not easy for him to reach where he is today. Yeshi was confronted with countless challenges on his journey. He mentioned, “At first it was very difficult to convince people. It’s hard to get clients to attract more people to hire them. In essence, I use my offline and online presence to demonstrate to others that I am a filmmaker. I then had to hire equipment from hiring companies to have additional content.”
Yeshi began his filmmaking career by purchasing his equipment with a loan from the Loden Foundation. His first official music video was released in 2017 and he has since made over 128 music videos and other numerous videos. Yeshi considers it fortunate that he began making movies at a time when social media was just beginning to take off. His work is now well known, and he no longer needs to actively seek out clients to receive bids.
Yeshi asserts that nothing will come to a person by waiting about at a time when many young people lament the nation’s mounting unemployment issue. “I have observed several of my friends simply waiting—waiting for job announcements, waiting for the exam or other opportunities. I believe that rather than merely waiting, we should move forward, inquire, and constantly consider our alternatives. The worst pain comes from waiting for things to happen,” he added.
Yeshi still has another dream, he hopes to become a film director someday. Additionally, Yeshi is a perfect
example of how someone can achieve their dreams if they are willing to take a chance and seize the opportunity, even though he may not have conventionally gone about his business.
By Rinzin Dema
