Travellers & Magicians

A Synopsis

Two men, two women, two journeys are woven into an intricate tapestry of desires as Travellers & Magicians takes us on an adventurous emotional tour through the heartland of Bhutanese Buddhist culture.

Set amidst the pristine beauty of the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, our story follows the footsteps of Dondup, a handsome young government officer stationed in a rural outpost. But instead of revelling in the dignity of his position, Dondup has attitude. Rather than embracing the kindness and generosity of his village neighbours or appreciating the beauty of his surroundings he's far more excited about "picking apples in the USA". He is convinced that leaving Bhutan for the western world will satisfy all that he craves.

When opportunity knocks, it comes with a deadline. Dondup seizes the moment, lies to his senior officer, throws his suitcase out the window and hastily departs — unfortunately a touch too late. He misses his bus to Thimphu and, to his dismay, is left stranded on the road with two other travellers heading in the same direction — a Buddhist monk and a simple apple seller. Dondup's fear of spending a dark night under the stars alone subdues his arrogant display towards his fellow travellers and he joins them for a night around their fire on the roadside.

"Be careful with dreamlands..." the monk tells Dondup upon hearing of his plans to go to America, "...when you wake up, it might be unpleasant."

To pass the night away the good natured monk begins to tell the tale of Tashi, a lazy, disinterested student of sorcery who dreams of distant 'greener pastures' inhabited by beautiful women. One day his younger brother gives Tashi a magic potion that transports him through distant mountains and forests where he is unceremoniously dumped. In blinding rain.the exhausted traveller stumbles upon an isolated hut where a cantankerous old man Agay and his beautiful young wife Deki offer him shelter...

The monk's tale continues throughout the journey as they make their way along the majestic mountain roads. Getting a lift for all of them becomes a mission and walking to Thimphu seems to be their destiny. Along the way they meet a series of colourful local characters but it is when Dondup meets a local beauty, Sonam, that his world starts to alter and his footsteps begin to falter. Will the monk's playful teasing change Dondup's view of his 'primitive' homeland, or will it be Sonam's beguiling smile?

...Meanwhile, despite his efforts to return home, Tashi cannot find his way back and is seduced by Deki. Time becomes meaningless as their passion overheats. The rhythmic sound of Deki's loom as she weaves an intricate dress fabric reflects the heartbeat of the two lovers...

Back on the road the travellers are not only sharing meals together but also their lives. The apple seller silently observes the hapless Dondup become smitten with Sonam. Is he blinded by his hopes and schemes, is it lust or love, and what of his 'great American dream'? The mischievous monk stirs the pot even more as he continues his tale.

...Tashi's dream of endless love darkens when Deki reveals she is pregnant. She coerces him into making a poisonous potion to get rid of her husband. As he goes through his death throes Tashi's remorse overwhelms him and he hastily departs. Deki follows him but drowns in the ensuing riverside chase. Tashi, weeping inconsolably, stares at the ripples of his tears in the water as he reflects on what has just happened. He awakens from his drugged state — it was all a dream...

Further down the road Thimphu is near. Dondup wavers — should he leave or should he stay? The monk with the permanent smile knows. With his deadline looming, a ride finally appears but can only take two of the travellers. Dondup chooses to depart with the monk, leaving Sonam behind.

Two men, one chasing love ends up in a dream.
The other, chasing a dream, leaves love behind.