Pawo Choyning Dorji Biography: Age, Wife, Kids, Parents, Net Worth, Movies, Books, Photography
Pawo Choyning Dorji is a Bhutanese filmmaker, photographer, writer, and producer best known for his internationally acclaimed films Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom and The Monk and the Gun. His debut feature Lunana became Bhutan’s first film nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
He is also recognized for his extensive work as a travel photographer and for his photography books documenting Buddhist culture, history, and spiritual journeys.
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| Name: | Pawo Choyning Dorji |
| Born: | 23 June 1983 (age 43 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Thimphu, Bhutan |
| Nationality: | Bhutanese |
| Parents: | Mr. and Mrs. Dorji |
| Spouse: | Stephanie Lai (2009) |
| Relationship: | Married |
| Children: | 2 |
| Occupation: | Filmmaker, Photographer, Writer, Producer |
| Net Worth: | $1 million |
Early Life and Education
Pawo Choyning Dorji was born on 23 June 1983, in Thimphu, Bhutan. He grew up as the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dorji, with his father working as a diplomat.
Because of his father’s diplomatic career, he spent parts of his childhood in Bhutan, India, Switzerland, and Kuwait. His international upbringing exposed him to different cultures while maintaining a strong connection to Bhutanese traditions and storytelling.
He attended Kodaikanal International School in India and Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School in Bhutan before moving to the United States to study at Lawrence University.
He graduated in 2006 with a degree in government and international relations and later studied Buddhist philosophy at the Sarah Buddhist Institute in India from 2007 to 2009. He is of Bhutanese heritage, and was raised within Buddhism cultural tradition.
Career
Pawo Choyning Dorji began his professional creative career as a photographer, with his work appearing in publications including VICE, LIFE, Esquire, The Wall Street Journal, and Asian Geographic.
He also published photography books including Lights & Shadows Along the Journey and The Light of the Moon.
His transition into filmmaking developed through his association with Bhutanese filmmaker Khyentse Norbu, working first as a director’s assistant on Vara: A Blessing (2013) and later as producer of Hema Hema: Sing Me a Song While I Wait (2016).
Dorji made his feature directorial debut with Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (2019), which he wrote, directed, and produced. The film became Bhutan’s first Academy Award nominee for Best International Feature Film.
He followed it with The Monk and the Gun (2023), which was shortlisted for the same Oscar category.
Beyond filmmaking and photography, Dorji has received numerous international honors and was awarded Bhutan’s Druk Thuksey in 2022, becoming its youngest recipient. In 2024, Lawrence University awarded him an honorary doctorate in fine arts.
Personal Life
Pawo Choyning Dorji was born on 23 June 1983 and is 43 years old. He is married to Taiwanese actress and producer Stephanie Lai, the daughter of celebrated Taiwanese playwright Stan Lai.
The couple married in 2009 and have two children, a daughter and a son. Dorji and his family have lived between Taiwan, Bhutan, and India, with the family later relocating to Los Angeles.
Net Worth
Pawo Choyning Dorji has an estimated net worth of $1 million. His income has been built through filmmaking, producing, screenwriting, photography, international exhibitions, and published photography books.
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