Agent of Happiness

Directed by Arun Bhattarai, Dorottya Zurbó
Film Movement
2024
94 Minutes
Bhutan, Hungary
Nepali, Dzongkha, English
Documentary, Asian
Not Rated
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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. Happiness Agent Amber Gurung embarks 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.

A “quiet, gently absorbing documentary” (The Guardian) AGENT OF HAPPINESS is a holistic exploration of Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness index, using “meaningful visual contrast to scrutinize Bhutan’s narrative about itself,” (Variety). Filmmakers Arun Bhattarai and Dorottya Zurbó carefully craft a visually stunning, tender narrative around the age-old quest to find the purpose of life.

Director & Cast

  • Director: Arun Bhattarai
  • Director: Dorottya Zurbó
  • Starring: Amber Kumar Gurung
  • Starring: Guna Raj Kuikel

Where to Watch

Apple TV Apple TV Canada

Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "Melodic and meaningful. Calming and humanizing...."
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety
  • "It boasts all the hallmarks of an audience-friendly documentary; an intriguing story, a likeable protagonist, stunning cinematography and an accessible tone. Heartfelt...."
    Nikki Baughan, Screen Daily
  • "The quiet, intimate charms of Agent of Happiness pulse from poignant collective consideration, filtered through the personal experience of a professional happiness inspector."
    Jacob Oller, Paste Magazine
  • "[A] film that quietly, intimately observes the lives of ordinary people."
    Cath Clarke, The Guardian
  • "A slow-burning portrait that’s infused with warmth."
    Wendy Ide, Observer
  • "In AGENT OF HAPPINESS, Bhattarai and Zurbó have gifted us with a charming, heartfelt moment spent with the people of Bhutan, where, despite the efforts of the government, happiness can’t be quantified. As with people everywhere, it comes in brief, golden moments of connection with others who brighten their lives and give them meaning."
    Bradley Gibson, Film Threat
  • "A complex, observant, and bittersweet look at the nature of fulfilment viewed through the infrequently glimpsed lens of Bhutanese culture."
    Andrew Parker, The Gate
  • "This is a lovely and kind documentary that handles big subjects with an unusual amount of honesty."
    Sarah Manvel, Critic's Notebook
  • "Agent of Happiness offers an intriguing look at the process by which one measures happiness."
    Pat Mullen, POV Magazine
Winner
Audience Award
San Francisco Int'l. Film Festival
Nominated
Best Documentary Feature
San Francisco Int'l. Film Festival
Nominated
Grand Jury Prize
Sundance Film Festival
Nominated
Best Scientific Documentary
Docville
Official Selection
CPHDOX
Official Selection
Hot Docs Int'l. Documentary Film Festival
Official Selection
Thessaloniki Documentary Festival
Official Selection
True/False Film Festival

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