The Happy Movie (his)

I am passionate about movies -- all kinds of movies.  I love a good movie and I love reading about film making and the film making industry, especially the business side of things.  But I enjoy it as a hobby and am not interested in a film industry career.  However, this month I get to combine two of my passions as Hapacus sponsors the movie "Happy" at the 2011 Milwaukee Film Festival that runs September 22-October 2.
 


"Happy" is a documentary about the emerging positive psychology movement and how researchers are learning more about what makes us happy.  The movie features one of Hapacus' Advisory Board members, Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, and describes very well the research on which Hapacus is built.

Virginia and I came across "Happy" at the International Positive Psychology Association's Second Congress last July in Philadelphia.  Roko Belic, the Academy Award nominated director, screened the movie for the Congress participants (about 1,500 from 62 countries).  He received a standing ovation when it ended.

Following the screening I talked with Roko about possibly screening "Happy" at the Milwaukee Film Festival.  As a member of the Board of Directors for Milwaukee Film, the organization that puts on the Milwaukee Film Festival, I felt the film was important and interesting enough for a Milwaukee audience.  I immediately called Jonathan Jackson, the Executive Director of Milwaukee Film, who informed me they were closing submissions within 36 hours.  I needed to act quickly.  So, working with Roko's people and Milwaukee Film I was able to get a copy of the film to the Milwaukee Film Festival screening committee in time and it was approved. 

"Happy" will have four screenings at the festival:

• September 24 @ 2:30 pm at the Downer Theater
• September 26 @ 9:45 pm at the Northshore Theater
• September 29 @ 7:30 pm at the Oriental Theater
• October 2 @ 5:15 pm at the Ridge Cinema

In addition, following the September 24 screening at the Downer, Hapacus will host a panel discussion with experts in Positive Psychology at Boswell Books, just a half block from the theater from 4-6 pm.  It should be an interesting conversation, especially after having watched "Happy".

All of this makes me extremely excited about the Milwaukee Film Festival this year.  Virginia and I usually see 12-16 films during the 10 day festival.  This year will likely be no different.  But we will be especially interested in "Happy" as it is the result of our work and passion.  That doesn't happen very often.