Bhutan and Nepal Will Premiere First Zombie Film
The collaborative horror movie Tunnel 26 is set to debut in theaters on October 9, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Horror
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Will Tunnel 26 successfully demonstrate that Bhutanese films can reach a global audience?
Bhutanese and Nepali filmmakers will release the horror movie Tunnel 26 on October 9, 2026. The film marks the first instance of a zombie movie being produced in Bhutan.
Why it matters
The director utilized the local cultural concept of Rolong to adapt the zombie genre for younger audiences. This project challenges local filmmakers to explore new genres while fostering international collaboration.
The film utilizes 5.1-channel sound design for its audio production. The project relied on practical effects instead of green screen or VFX throughout the entire creation process.
The players
Anoop Bikram Shahi
He is a cast member who helped lead the film's international production effort.
Anna Sharma
She serves as a central actor in the cast of this collaborative horror project.
Roshni Dada
She is an actor from Arunachal Pradesh, India, who joined the cast for this release.
DOMCIIP
This is a government agency that provided project support during the film's development.
BICMA
The Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority is a government body that supported this project.
The details
This joint production involved a cross-border team from Bhutan and Nepal to manage technical support and casting. The project received support from government agencies DOMCIIP and BICMA to facilitate the filmmaking process.
Timeline
The film script was written in 2022.
The movie will be released in Bhutan and Nepal on October 9, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This release reflects a broader trend of regional film industries shifting toward high-concept genre pieces to engage younger demographics. It signals a move away from traditional storytelling toward modern horror formats within the Himalayan film landscape.
Viewers in Bhutan and Nepal will be able to access the film in theaters starting October 9, 2026. The production's focus on practical effects offers a distinct visual experience compared to typical CGI-heavy mainstream horror content.
The takeaway
The use of practical effects rather than digital imagery shows a commitment to traditional craftsmanship in a modern genre space. This project demonstrates how regional industries can successfully blend folklore with global cinema trends.
What happens next
The film is scheduled to premiere in theaters across Bhutan and Nepal on October 9, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more upcoming releases in the Horror section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kuensel Online.
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Will Tunnel 26 successfully demonstrate that Bhutanese films can reach a global audience?
