In a captivating collaboration, French producers of the acclaimed film ‘Wolf Dog’ are joining forces with Ladakhi talent for a new project titled ‘Idiot’. This thought-provoking film promises to shed light on a pressing yet overlooked issue within the education system.
The film’s writer and director, Stenzin Tankyong, is a rising star in the industry, having already made a mark with his short films ‘Sekool’ and ‘Last Days of Summer’, which gained recognition at the 2023 Rotterdam Film Festival. ‘Idiot’ marks his feature-length debut, and it’s a story close to his heart.
The plot revolves around Singay, an 18-year-old underachiever stuck in the 10th grade at a remote government school in Ladakh’s breathtaking Changthang region. As the school faces closure, the teachers unite to help Singay pass his exams, setting the stage for a heartwarming and humorous coming-of-age tale.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Tankyong’s inspiration stems from the real-life crisis of declining enrollment in government-run village schools, as families increasingly favor private institutions. This trend, he argues, leaves a generation at risk of being left behind educationally. “An uneducated generation cannot uplift its community,” Tankyong emphasizes, underscoring the film’s powerful message.
‘Idiot’ is produced by the esteemed duo Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam of White Crane Films, alongside Flore Cavigneaux and Jérôme Blesson of La Belle Affaire Productions, who previously collaborated with Tankyong on ‘Last Days of Summer’. This time, they’re bringing their expertise to a story that demands attention.
With the script finalized, cast and locations secured, and production scheduled for July 2026 to May 2027, the team is eager to showcase the stunning seasonal changes in Ladakh. And this is the part most people miss—the film’s market debut is set for WAVES Film Bazaar, a significant platform within the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
As the project gains momentum, the producers are actively seeking international collaborators, co-producers, and financiers to bring this unique story to life. Will ‘Idiot’ spark a much-needed conversation about educational disparities? Share your thoughts in the comments below!