December 2: Piracy in Bhutanese audio-visual industry is becoming rampant. This according to the Motion Pictures Association of Bhutan could affect the booming film industry. The booming Bhutanese audio-visual industry is combating piracy which industry insiders describe as rampant.
There are also other problems like shortage of funds and movie theatres.

The high court has begun hearing on a case concerning the piracy of a Bhutanese movie-Chorten Kora. The case was originally filed by the producer of the movie in the Wangdue district court after he spotted two shops in Wangduephodrang selling duplicate DVDs of the movie.

The two shopkeepers were fined Nu. 11,000 each. Claiming that they are not guilty, the shopkeepers appealed the case to the high court.

The association says cases related to film piracy is also going on in other district courts. The first Bhutanese film “Gasa Lamai Singye” was produced in 1989. Since then the film industry has grown. In 2006, the film industry produced 22 films. So far this year, 18 films have been produced this year. But film producers are worried that the production might drop if piracy is not tackled.

Music composers are also facing piracy problems. The association says most download songs into their mobile phones affecting the sale of music albums.

In the meantime the association is working with the intellectual property division of the Ministry of Economic Affairs to monitor the situation.