Summary 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. View more details
Directed : Thomas Balmès
Written : Thomas Balmès
Stars : Peyangki Kinley Om Ap Kinley Dorji Aum Thinley Dolma
Genres : Drama Family Documentary
Release date : Oct 31, 2013
Countries of origin : United States Finland France
Official sites : ITVS International Making Movies Oy
Language : Dzongkha
Filming locations : Thimphu, Bhutan
Production companies : ARTE Making Movies ITVS International
Summary 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. View more details
Genres : Drama Family Documentary
Release date : Oct 31, 2013
Countries of origin : United States Finland France
Official sites : ITVS International Making Movies Oy
Language : Dzongkha
Filming locations : Thimphu, Bhutan
Production companies : ARTE Making Movies ITVS International
