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In 1999, King Jigme Wangchuck approved the use of television and Internet throughout the largely undeveloped nation of Bhutan, assuring the masses that rapid development was synonymous with the "gross national happiness" of his country, a term he himself coined. Director Thomas Balmès's film Happiness begins at the end of this process as Laya, the last remaining village tucked away within the Himalayan kingdom, becomes enmeshed in roads, electricity, and cable television. Through the eyes of an eight-year-old monk impatient with prayer and eager to acquire a TV set, we witness the seeds of this seismic shift sprouting during a three-day journey from the outskirts of Laya to the thriving capital of Thimphu. It is here the young boy discovers cars, toilets, colorful club lights, and countless other elements of modern life for the first time.
Original Release
01/17/2014
US Release
01/17/2014
Cast
Name | Character |
---|
Peyangki | Himself / Self |
Kinley Om | Himself, Peyangki's uncle / Self - Peyangki's uncle |
Ap Kinley Dorji | |
Aum Thinley Dolma | |
Sangay Thinley | |
Rinchen | |
Leki | |
Pyago | |
Choki | Herself, Peyangki's sister / Self - Peyangki's sister |
Chencho Thinley |
Directors
Writers
Cast
Name | Character |
---|
Peyangki | Himself / Self |
Kinley Om | Himself, Peyangki's uncle / Self - Peyangki's uncle |
Ap Kinley Dorji | |
Aum Thinley Dolma | |
Sangay Thinley | |
Rinchen | |
Leki | |
Pyago | |
Choki | Herself, Peyangki's sister / Self - Peyangki's sister |
Chencho Thinley | |
Namgay Dorji | |
Jigme Singye Wangchuk | Himself, King of Bhutan 1972-2006 (archive footage) / Self - King of Bhutan 1972-2006 |
Producers
Name | Role |
---|
Thomas Balmès | Producer |
Kaarle Aho | Producer |
Juliette Guigon | Producer |
Mette Hoffman Meyer | Producer |
Patrick Winocour | Producer |