How is happiness measured? Can satisfaction with one’s life be rated on a scale from one to ten? The Kingdom of Bhutan’s famous – and highly exoticized – government policy measuring its nation’s Gross National Happiness operates on the idea that the basic tenets of fulfillment can and should be quantified when calculating their nation’s development. Does having a cow or a goat make a difference? How about a tractor? Happiness Agent Amber Gurung treks throughout the Himalayan mountains to survey the contentment of citizens from different households and lifestyles. While Amber dutifully administers this census, he too is forced to confront his own struggles with fulfillment, and question what makes him happy.
Serene… The combination of staggeringly beautiful scenery and the film’s gentle humour initially suggests a benign Nat Geo-style documentary crowdpleaser. But Agent of Happiness tackles darker themes, such as alcoholism, loneliness and a transgender woman’s fear of losing her mother and staunchest supporter. A slow-burning portrait that’s infused with warmth.
Wendy Ide, The Observer
Melodic and meaningful… The further the film goes on, the more it transitions from literal and observational, to poetic impressionistic. The result is both calming and humanizing, as though it were an artistic embodiment of the very contentment the Kingdom boasts.
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety
Arun Bhattarai & Dorottya Zurbó
Amber Kumar Gurung, Sarita Chettri, Guna Raj Kuikel, Hemlata Gurung, Yangka Lhamo, Wangmo Lhamo
Bhutan/Hungary
2024
In Nepali, Dzongkha and English with English subtitles
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Credits
Executive Producer
Dawn Bonder, Daniel J. Chalfen, Janice Finley, Susan Potter, Marci Wiseman
Producer
Noémi Veronika Szakonyi, Máté Artur Vincze, Arun Bhattarai
Cinematography
Arun Bhattarai
Editor
Péter Sass
Original Music
Ádám Balázs
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