Watch Project Happiness

Project Happiness is a documentary film released in 2011, which explores the age-old question about the essence and meaning of happiness. The film follows a remarkable journey of a group of high school students who travel around the world in search of knowledge and wisdom about happiness. Along the way, the students interact with a diverse range of people, including world-renowned scientists, spiritual leaders, and everyday people. The film also features interviews with experts in the field of neuroscience, psychology, and positive psychology, including Richard Davidson, The Dalai Lama, and many others.

The film starts with a conversation between the director and the Dalai Lama about the meaning of happiness. The Dalai Lama explains that happiness is not something that can be attained from external sources, such as money, power, or fame, but rather is an internal state of being that can be cultivated through mindfulness, compassion, and other positive emotions. This sets the tone for the rest of the film, which explores different ways that people can cultivate happiness in their lives.

The film then introduces us to a group of high school students from California who are taking part in a unique program called "Project Happiness". The program is designed to help students develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and mindfulness through a series of workshops, exercises, and discussions. The students are then tasked with creating a documentary film that captures their journey and what they have learned.

The film then follows the students as they travel to different parts of the world, including India, Ghana, and China, to learn about different cultures and traditions related to happiness. They interact with people from different walks of life, including monks, farmers, dancers, and artists, and learn about their perspectives on happiness. The students also engage in various activities and rituals, such as meditation, dance, and storytelling, that are aimed at cultivating positive emotions and mindfulness.

Throughout the film, we see the students developing a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. They learn about the power of gratitude, compassion, and resilience in cultivating happiness, and how these practices can help individuals cope with stress and adversity. They also learn about the importance of connecting with other people and building empathy and understanding, which are key ingredients for building a happier and more cohesive society.

The film also features interviews with experts in the field of positive psychology, including Richard Davidson, who is a leading researcher in the field of neuroscience and emotions. Davidson shares his insights into the brain mechanisms that underlie happiness and wellbeing, and how we can use mindfulness practices and other techniques to regulate our emotions and cultivate positive states of mind.

Ultimately, Project Happiness is a powerful and inspiring film that offers a fresh perspective on the age-old question about happiness. Through its engaging storytelling and diverse cast of characters, the film provides a roadmap for individuals and communities to cultivate happiness, resilience, and wellbeing. Whether you're seeking to deepen your own understanding of happiness, or looking for practical strategies to enhance your own happiness and wellbeing, this film is a must-watch.

Project Happiness is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.4.