The basic story here, of a mildly arrogant young teacher forced to fulfill his contract in an impossibly remote schoolhouse, is pretty familiar stuff, even given the rare Himalayan setting of Bhutan. But first-time featuremaker Pawo Choyning Dorji combines ethnographic elements with gorgeous cinematography, a solid narrative structure, and surprisingly effective acting—especially from the beyond-adorable children—for a highly memorable effort.

Especially in the midst of heavier festival fare, this warmhearted, yak-based tale reflects what one character calls "a program of gross national happiness".