Bhutanese filmmaker and photographer, Pawo Choyning Dorji, was born on June 23, 1983, in Darjeeling, India. The son of a diplomat, he attended Kodaikanal International School during his early years before moving to Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School in Bhutan. In 2006, he graduated from Lawrence University in the United States with a government degree. He later received a diploma in Buddhist philosophy from the Sarah Buddhist Institute in 2009. His career began as a photographer, with initial contributions to VICE, Esquire, and Life. He also wrote books of photographic essays. 

A devoted Buddhist, Pawo Choyning Dorji studied under the renowned Buddhist master and filmmaker Khyentse Norbu, who introduced him to cinema. He worked as an assistant director on Vara: A Blessing in 2013 and as a producer on Hema Hema in 2016. His directorial debut came with the filming of Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, which he shot over two months in an isolated school in the Himalayan village of Lunana. After its world premiere at the 63rd BFI London Film Festival, the film won the Audience Choice Award and was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 2022 Oscars. 

With his second feature film, The Monk and the Gun, Pawo Choyning Dorji achieved worldwide fame. First presented at the 50th Telluride Film Festival, it was also screened at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival. However, it wasn't until the film was submitted as Bhutan's entry for the Best International Feature Film at the Oscars that it gained unanimous recognition. The film made it to the coveted shortlist of the final fifteen films. 

Pawo Choyning Dorji's cinema has been praised for its philosophical perspective on life in Bhutan. His work is noted for its insightful observation of Buddhism and Himalayan culture, while also showcasing sharp humor and compelling storytelling. The director focuses on an ensemble of endearing characters for whom he expresses a disarmingly simple empathy. Through a satire of the West, he portrays the violence of capitalism in contrast to the humanism and vibrant generosity of profoundly wise inhabitants. 

Pawo Choyning Dorji is the youngest recipient of Bhutan's highest civilian honor, the Druk Thuksey, the Son of the Heart of the Thunder Dragon, awarded by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. This royal order was bestowed upon him to recognize his distinguished services to the nation and the Bhutanese people. He was also invited to become a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the directors and writers branch. The filmmaker ultimately chose to join the directors' branch. 

Released in French theaters on June 26, 2024, The Monk and the Gun was showcased at prestigious festivals like Telluride and Toronto. Representing Bhutan at the 2024 Oscars, it also won the High School Students' Award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in the Écrans Junior competition. The film benefits from the Aid for World Cinema (ACM), co-managed by the French Institute and the CNC, which supports the first theatrical release of a film.