WITH its next presentation, Lunana: A Yak In The Classroom (Sunday, October 1, 8pm, Ilkley Playhouse) Ilkley Film Society adds the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan to the list of countries whose films it has screened during its 54 seasons.

Ugyen is a trainee primary school teacher who feels no vocation for the work – he wants to emigrate to Australia where he feels sure he can make a career as a pop singer – but first he is obliged to complete his course. His supervisor assigns him to a village in the remotest part of Bhutan which can only be reached by mule trails. He faces both an unforgettable journey and working conditions more primitive than he could have imagined, and undergoes a life-changing education himself.

The debut film by writer-director Pawo Choyning Dorji, Lunana made history when it became one of the five contenders for Best International Feature Film at the 2022 Academy Awards. Closer to Ilkley, it also won Best Film at the Hebden Bridge Film Festival in the previous year – and, yes, there really is a yak in the classroom!

The Film Society offers a welcome to new members who can join on the night or via the website at www.ilkleyfilmsociety.org.uk where the full programme for the season will be found. Non-members are also welcome as guests (price £5) but should phone Dave Howell on 01943 430097 to guarantee admission.