“Bhutan – Trails of Happiness” is a 9-minute documentary short made in Switzerland and directed by Martin Bissig. The film belongs to the sports and outdoor genres and recounts a unique journey through the Kingdom of Bhutan, discovering its hidden mountain-bike trails.
At the centre of the story is the encounter between sport and culture, told through two protagonists: Tom Öhler, a world-class Austrian biker, and Tandin Wang, a mountain-bike pioneer in Bhutan. The film follows their journey through technical challenges and breathtaking landscapes, highlighting the identity of a country where sport intertwines with spirituality.
The journey begins in the capital, Thimphu, where Tom encounters Bhutan’s emerging mountain-bike community. From there, the two bikers take on the Madman Trail, a route through forests and brightly coloured villages, until they reach the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The documentary captures not only the complexity of the routes, but also the meditative and spiritual dimension that accompanies sporting practice in Bhutan, in constant dialogue with local Buddhist culture.
Between dynamic riding sequences and reflective moments, the film conveys a message of universal connection between sport and culture, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. Its visual narrative is enriched by spectacular panoramas and an intimate tone that gives value to the protagonists’ experience.
“Bhutan – Trails of Happiness” is neither a student project nor a directorial debut, but a professional work made with a 30,000-dollar budget. The film was completed on 10 December 2024, with an international premiere. Filming took place entirely in Bhutan, with distribution planned in English.
Film Information
Title: Bhutan – Trails of Happiness
Original title: Bhutan: Trails of Happiness
Director: Martin Bissig
Production: Martin Bissig
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Running time: 9 minutes
Genre: Documentary, sport, outdoor, action, travel
Sport featured: Mountain biking
Protagonist(s): Tom Öhler, Tandin Wang
Completion date: 10 December 2024
Premiere: [International, location not specified]
Distributor: [Not specified; international distribution planned]
Shooting format: Digital, 16:9, colour
Director’s first film: No
Student project: No