Happiness (2013 film)
| Happiness | |
|---|---|
 Promotional poster | |
| Directed by | Thomas Balmès |
| Written by | Thomas Balmès |
| Produced by | Thomas Balmès Kaarle Aho Juliette Guigon Patrick Winocour |
| Cinematography | Thomas Balmès Nina Bernfeld |
| Edited by | Alex Cardon Ronan Sinquin |
| Music by | British Sea Power |
Production companies | |
Release date |
|
Running time | 80 minutes |
| Countries | France Finland |
| Language | English |
Happiness is a 2013 French-Finnish documentary film written, directed and produced by Thomas Balmès.[1][2] The film had its world premiere at International Documentary Festival Amsterdam in November 2013 and premiered in-competition at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival on 17 January 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 16 March 2014.[7] It also premiered at 2014 San Francisco International Film Festival on 27 April 2014.[8]
Synopsis
[edit]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 be connected to the internet and global media.
Reception
[edit]Happiness received generally 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] 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
[edit]
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Sundance Film Festival | World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Documentary | Thomas Balmès | Nominated |
| Cinematography Award: World Cinema Documentary[5][6] | Thomas Balmès and Nina Bernfeld | Won | ||
| Sheffield International Documentary Festival | Sheffield Youth Jury Award - Special Mention[11] | Thomas Balmès | Won | |
| Sheffield Youth Jury Award | Thomas Balmès | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ "Thomas Balmès, Happiness". Screen Daily. 17 January 2014. Retrieved April 14, 2014.
- ^ "Film Happiness shows 'invasive force' of TV on Bhutan village". Sydney Morning Herald. January 26, 2014. Retrieved April 14, 2014.
- ^ "Sundance 2014: World Cinema Documentary Competition". IndieWire. January 10, 2014. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
- ^ "2014 Sundance Documentary competitions showcase Nick Cave, Internet paranoia and more". HitFix. December 4, 2013. Retrieved April 14, 2014.
- ^ a b "Sundance: 'Whiplash' & 'Rich Hill' Win Grand Jury Awards; Dramatic Directing Goes To Cutter Hodierne For 'Fishing Without Nets'". Deadline. January 25, 2014. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
- ^ a b "'Whiplash' Owns the 2014 Sundance Film Festival Awards Netting Two Top Prizes". IndieWire. January 25, 2014. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
- ^ "16th TDF: Film Line-Up, FIPRESCI Jury and Sidebar Events (3/11/2014)". Archived from the original on 21 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
- ^ "SFIFF: Happiness (Thomas Balmes, France/Finland, 2013)". Retrieved 12 April 2014.
- ^ Farber, Stephen (February 6, 2014). "Happiness: Sundance Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 14, 2014.
- ^ "Sundance Review: Happiness". Salt Lake Magazine. Jan 20, 2014. Archived from the original on April 21, 2014. Retrieved April 14, 2014.
- ^ "2014 Award Winners". Archived from the original on 1 July 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2014.