'Happy' makes Northern Arizona premiere in festival series Aug. 30

'Happy' makes Northern Arizona premiere in festival series Aug. 30
The award-winning filmmaking team behind "Genghis Blues" and "Beyond the Call" brings their next film to Sedona in film festival's "Docs That Make a Difference" series

Go on a journey of discovery across five continents to find the keys to happiness in the new film “Happy” which makes its Arizona premiere in Sedona on Tuesday, Aug. 30. The Sedona International Film Festival presents this one-night-only special engagement as the fifth film in its “Docs That Make a Difference” series. There will be two screenings of the film at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres.

“This is one film that everyone should see — it is extraordinary!” says Beverly Hurff, the film festival events coordinator and board member who discovered the film at the Phoenix Film Festival. “Of course, we have all seen material on what causes depression. This film focuses on what makes us happy. You immediately think about — and look at — how your happiness is fulfilled.”
From Academy Award-nominated director Roko Belic (“Genghis Blues”) and the production team of “Beyond the Call” comes a new cinematic adventure. “Happy” is a feature-length documentary that leads viewers on a journey across five continents in search of the keys to happiness. The film addresses many of the fundamental issues we face in today’s society: How do we balance the allure of money, fame and social status with our needs for strong relationships, health and personal fulfillment?

Through remarkable human stories and cutting-edge science, “Happy” leads us toward a deeper understanding of why and how we can pursue more fulfilling, healthier and happier lives.

“Happy” takes the viewer from the bayous of Louisiana to the deserts of Namibia, from the beaches of Brazil to the mountains of Bhutan. Listen to the wisdom of a Kolkata rickshaw driver, the compassion of a volunteer of Mother Teresa’s Home for the Dying and the knowledge of some of the world’s leading happiness researchers.

Witness as middle school students applaud the bravery of their classmates during a moving presentation on bullying. “Happy” combines real-life human drama and science to provide insights into the mysteries of happiness.

In 2005, director Tom Shadyac (Liar Liar, Patch Adams, Bruce Almighty) handed Roko Belic a New York Times article entitled “A New Measure of Well-Being from a Happy Little Kingdom”. The article ranked the United States 23rd on its list of happiest countries. Shadyac — himself dissatisfied with his luxurious Beverly Hills lifestyle — asked Belic to make a documentary investigation into the origins of human happiness and why the U.S. ranks so low. This simple inquiry led to a global exploration of happiness research.

“Happy” was developed under the Creative Visions Foundation, a non-profit organizations which supports creative activists who use the power of media and the arts to affect positive change in the world. Belic has been filming “Happy” for the past four years and has attracted well-known experts such as Ed Diener, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Richard Davidson, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and others. Marci Shimoff, best-selling author of Happy For No Reason and Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul, narrates the film.

Wadi Rum Production films are a collaboration between two Academy Award-nominated brothers Roko and Adrian Belic. Sedona Film Festival has been proud to feature both of their previous productions: “Genghis Blues” (nominated for an Oscar) and “Beyond the Call”, which screened on five continents and won more than 70 international awards.

The title sponsors for this event are Studio Live and Sedona Performers Guild. A pre-film concert by Vismaya (Ingrid Hagelberg) will open both shows. The renowned international singer, songwriter and composer will perform a selection of jazz and cabaret songs to celebrate happiness through song around the world. She will be accompanied by Allen Ames. Plan to arrive early to enjoy the sounds of these incredible performers.

The series is also made possible by a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Sedona, and the Sedona Community Foundation.

“Happy” will be shown at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members, and will be available starting at 3:00 p.m. that day in the Harkins lobby. Cash or checks only. Film Sedona members can purchase tickets in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office, 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, Suite A3-4, or by calling 282-1177. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.com.