#Happy: A Film About Happiness in the Modern Age is a mini-documentary that I produced with a team of other voyagers while studying abroad on Semester at Sea. It has been screened by professors in collegiate classrooms (Penn State and University of Oregon), youth summer camps, and corporate training sessions. The film encompasses interviews and footage from seven countries that we visited: Ghana, South Africa, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, and Japan. You'll hear my narration and poetry; you'll also see some of my videography. I hope you enjoy our film!
Our Team
Avery Stratton- director, editor, and cinematographer
Taylor Kissinger- narrator, writer, and cinematographer
Maddy Sweeney- writer and cinematographer
Deedee Diaz- cinematographer
Carilyn White- cinematographer
INTRODUCTION by Taylor Kissinger
Happiness awakens, shakes, and breathes
Joy to the core of our being.
A baby’s first cry.
An ocean breeze on your face.
Laughter, a smile, or a loved one’s embrace.
“It’s the little things.”
“Climb the corporate ladder to success.”
“Follow the money.”
What brings us happiness?
Crunching grass between your toes?
Playing the violin.
A concerto of nights
Sleeping beneath the stars.
Our minds open to receive God’s grace.
Or the universe…what have you.
The source of that feeling,
Desired by you and me.
Searching and wanting
This unsung plea.
It will come.
When push comes to shove,
What makes the call?
The beat of our hearts,
Happiness,
The universal desire of all.