Happiness (2014 film)


Happiness is a 2014 French-Finnish documentary film written, directed and produced by Thomas Balmès. The film premiered in-competition at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival on 17 January 2014. It won the Documentary World Cinema Cinematography Award at the festival.
The film premiered at 2014 Thessaloniki Documentary Festival in Views of the World section, on 16 March 2014. It also premiered at 2014 San Francisco International Film Festival on 27 April 2014.

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." 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."

Accolades


YearAwardCategoryRecipientResult
2014Sundance Film FestivalWorld Cinema Grand Jury Prize: DocumentaryThomas Balmès
2014Sundance Film FestivalCinematography Award: World Cinema DocumentaryThomas Balmès and Nina Bernfeld
2014Sheffield International Documentary FestivalSheffield Youth Jury Award - Special MentionThomas Balmès
2014Sheffield International Documentary FestivalSheffield Youth Jury AwardThomas Balmès