9 / 10
San Diego International Film Festivala
a San Diego International Film Festival

a film by benjamin henretig

Watch the Trailer

Original Music & narration by Grammy Award-Winning Artist Imogen Heap

RENT
or
BUY
Today

Watch on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast. Learn more
Watch the Trailer

Narration & Original Music by Grammy Award-Winning Artist Imogen Heap

Watch on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast. Learn more

A human-powered journey through the land of Gross National Happiness

"The purpose of life is the expansion of happiness.  It is the goal of every other goal.  Ben Henretig has embarked on an ambitious project to document a country and culture that has embraced Happiness as a part of its national policy"

- Deepak Chopra

About the film

Drawn by the allure of the Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan, four veteran athletes attempt an unprecedented human-powered, border-to-border crossing, hoping to experience Bhutan’s unique policy of Gross National Happiness first hand.

When the demands of the grueling 32-day, 485-mile journey push the team beyond their breaking point, they must confront the challenge inherent in walking what Buddhist’s call the Middle Path - embracing the benefits of our fast-paced modern life while still honoring the ancient traditions and values that makes Bhutan so unique.

Featuring

Original music & narration from Grammy award-winning producer Imogen Heap
Unique partnership with government providing unparalleled access, including an interview with Bhutan’s former Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay

A note from the filmmaker

I believe deeply that, in order to confront some of the most pressing challenges of our time, be it climate change or depression, we need to change the rules of the game and redefine "success" and "progress." Bhutan's philosophy of Gross National Happiness was a response to this impulse: a recognition that at the end of the day, what matters most is the well-being of our communities and environment. What would a system look like that was designed to promote more vibrant culture? Or a more connected community? It's a very provocative and timely inquiry. - Benjamin Henretig

★ 9.1 / 10
59 min
2018
color
english

explore what matters most