Happiness (2014 film)

Happiness

Promotional poster
Directed by Thomas Balmès
Produced by Thomas Balmès
Kaarle Aho
Juliette Guigon
Patrick Winocour
Written by Thomas Balmès
Music by British Sea Power
Cinematography Thomas Balmès
Nina Bernfeld
Edited by Alex Cardon
Ronan Sinquin
Production
company
Arte France
ITVS International
TBC Productions
Quark Films
Release dates
Running time
80 minutes
Country France
Finland
Language English

Happiness is a 2014 French-Finnish documentary film written, directed and produced by Thomas Balmès.[1][2] The film premiered in-competition at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival on January 17, 2014.[3][4] It won the Documentary World Cinema Cinematography Award at the festival.[5][6]

The film premiered at 2014 Thessaloniki Documentary Festival in Views of the World section, on March 16, 2014.[7] It also premiered at 2014 San Francisco International Film Festival on April 27, 2014.[8]

Synopsis

In 1999, when Jigme Singye Wangchuck authorized television and the Internet throughout Bhutan, it had a rapid impact on the country. The film follows events through the eyes of an eight year old monk named Peyangki, praying eagerly for a TV set in Laya, the last village in Bhutan to go through the process of globalization.

Reception

Happiness received mixed to positive reviews upon its premiere at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. Stephen Farber in his review for The Hollywood Reporter wrote of the film, "Striking images of a Himalayan mountain village invigorate this award-winning doc."[9] While, Dan Nailen of Salt Lake Magazine criticized the film by saying, "Happiness is far from perfect, and is somewhat predictable in its view that technology doesn't have the answers for a poor remote village," but ultimately adds, "Still, the joy of watching Peyangki mature as a monk while keeping his playful spirit is undeniable, and the film offers a glimpse into a world rarely seen by Westerners. It's well worth the time spent delving into Peyangki's world."[10]

Accolades

Year Award Category Recipient Result
2014 Sundance Film Festival World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Documentary Thomas Balmès Nominated
Cinematography Award: World Cinema Documentary Thomas Balmès and Nina Bernfeld Won[5][6]
Sheffield International Documentary Festival Sheffield Youth Jury Award - Special Mention Thomas Balmès Won[11]
Sheffield Youth Jury Award Thomas Balmès Nominated

References

External links

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