Dan Eldon

 

Attention Los Angelinos!  There will be a free screening of the documentary film "Happy" at Pepperdine University this Thursday, April 21st at 7pm in the Elkins Auditorium in Malibu, followed by a Q&A with Academy Award-nominated director Roko Belic.  

 

The film deals with 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 good relationships, health and a sense of fulfillment?

 

The Center for Entertainment, Media, and Culture Screens Final Movie of 2010-11 Season, Happy

Academy Award-nominated director Roko Belic will present a sneak preview of his feature-length documentary Happy at Pepperdine’s Center for Entertainment, Media, and Culture (EMC) on Thursday, Apr. 21 as the final film screening of the 2010-11 academic year. The film follows Belic’s journey across five continents as he weaves together deeply personal stories. The free screening will begin at 7 p.m.in Elkins Auditorium, Malibu, followed by a Q&A with Belic. 

According to Belic, Happy is more than a movie—it’s a movement. “My hope is that the film not only helps individuals find peace and contentment, but also that their personal happiness will lead to a more generous, more aware and more compassionate world,” he says.

The inspiration came from executive producer Tom Shadyac—Pepperdine professor and director/producer for Liar, Liar, Patch Adams, and Bruce Almighty, as well as the new documentary, I Am—who in 2005 gave Belic a New York Times article that ranked the United States 23rd on its list of “happiest countries.” Shadyac challenged Belic to make a documentary investigating the origins of human happiness and why the U.S.had ranked so low.

Belic’s documentary was supported by Creative Visions Foundation, which was founded by Maliburesidents Kathy Eldon and Amy Eldon Turteltaub to empower “Creative Activists” who use media and the arts to create positive change in the world.

“We’re so thrilled to highlight the best of Malibu—filmmakers like Roko Belic and foundations like Creative Visions model the creativity and purpose we seek to instill in our students,” says EMC director Craig Detweiler. “Happy will be a grand finale to our school year.”

 

For more information about the film, go to http://thehappymovie.com/