Bhutanese animation

Bhutanese animation is a relatively new industry in Bhutan. Local animations has been primarily used for public awareness campaigns about relevant social, economical and political issues or as a means to promote local culture. Bhutanese animators and clients views the use of animation in public awareness is more effective than brochures and pamphlets. Ap Naka is an example of a Bhutanese animated public awareness video which seeks to educate people on earthquakes.

Pem Tshering made the first Bhutanese 2D animation film which was released in 2001. Tshering first animation that of a Beetle dance and his first public awareness video was Oye Penjor. In 2005, the KLK anImagine and Druk Vision Studio which are major animation studios in Bhutan were established. KLK is owned by Kinga Sithup, and Druk Vision Studio is owned by Pem Tshering. The first local 2D animation was by KLK which was an awareness campaign on Rubella while the first 3D animation was Wai Penjore on AIDS which took around three months to be produced. It is a common practice among Bhutanese animators to split 10 pictures into 25 frames or to animate in 24 pictures per second. By 2008, Druk Vision has produced around seven animation films and KLK has done around 20.

The first 3D full length animation film was produced by Athang Animation Studio which was established in 2010 was Ap Bokto which was first screened to the public in September 2014.