FINDING HAPPY

OFFICIAL PRESS KIT

At her lowest point, a woman rescues an injured day-old sparrow and their profound bond sparks a worldwide journey to explore other extraordinary human-animal connections, challenging us to see kindness, compassion, and connection in a whole new light.

SYNOPSIS

Finding Happy is a heartfelt documentary by director Maria Bertrand, chronicling her personal journey with her rescued sparrow, Happy. At her lowest point, Maria rescued Happy when he was just one day old, and their bond sparked a profound transformation in her life. As she navigates her healing process, Maria embarks on a quest to discover the unique and life-changing connections between humans and animals.

Through intimate stories of people with deep, unconventional bonds with animals, Finding Happy explores the emotional, spiritual, and therapeutic benefits of these relationships. From Zach Skow and his two-legged dog, Cora, to Lek Chailert's connection with her elephant family in Thailand, the film highlights how these bonds provide a sense of purpose, healing, and joy, offering an alternative view of happiness that lies in the simplicity of human-bonds and challenges us to see animals in a different light. Finding Happy celebrates resilience, hope , and kindness, inviting viewers to explore their own boundaries around compassion.

The film shows how love heals and transforms, encouraging us to listen deeply to the world around us and discover the connections that bring peace and purpose. It gently encourages each viewer to ask themselves: Am I truly listening?

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

KEY THEMES

KINDNESS

INCLUSION

COMPASSION

CONNECTION

EMPATHY

HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

GRIEF

MENTAL HEALTH

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

The story of Finding Happy began when I lost everything. In that darkness, I found a tiny injured sparrow, and had no idea how much he would change my life. What started as a simple act of rescue became a journey of healing, hope, and rediscovery.

Through Happy, I learned to listen again, to myself, to others, and to the quiet wisdom of the world around me. He reconnected me to my heart and reminded me that even in our most broken moments, love and kindness can lift us up and give us purpose.

Finding Happy is more than a film, it’s a movement and a message, it’s a testament to the power of connection, and how one small act of compassion can transform a life.

Maria Bertrand
Writer | Director | Producer

FEATURED STORIES

Stories featured in Finding Happy have garnered over 100 Million impressions and have been featured around the globe in various news outlets including:

HAPPY THE SPARROW

133K followers

During the height of the pandemic, when the world felt isolated and uncertain, a day-old rescued sparrow with a broken beak became a global symbol of hope. His story, full of resilience, joy, and the healing power of connection, spread across social media and was shared by major outlets worldwide, touching millions of hearts. Over time, Happy’s broken beak grew into the most beautiful smile, inspiring his name and turning his deformity into his superpower. His story continues to be a beacon of hope for millions around the world.

    
    DAVE COX & SAMMI the CHICKEN218K followers

            Dave proves that anyone can learn to love if they listen… even to a chicken. The most well-traveled chicken in America, Sammi captures hearts wherever he goes! Dave and Sammi have been featured on GMA, The Today Show and People.
        
    ZACH SKOW & CORA the two legged DOG612K followers

            At his lowest point, recovering addict Zach found salvation saving animals and now runs a therapeutic rehabilitation program for prison inmates through Marley’s Mutts. Cora is a two-legged dog who is a beacon of hope for many worldwide.
        
    RYAN PHILIPS & JENNA the COW438K followers

            Born a twin with more testosterone than a normal female cow, Jenna was sent to slaughter. Recognizing Jenna’s will to live, Ryan proves every life is of value. With a newfound purpose in life Ryan founded the Life with Pigs sanctuary.
        
    CHERYL ALISON & HONK the GOOSE

            Isolation and the need for connection brought Honk the Goose and Cheryl together, forging an incredible bond that taught her the importance of being present. Her life will forever be “before Honk and after Honk”.
        
    LEK CHAILERT & ELEPHANT NATURE PARK2.1 Mil followers

            Recently bestowed the Legion of Honour Award by President Macron, Lek – whose name means ‘tiny’ in Thai – represents the global impact even the tiniest being can have. If one 24 ounce sparrow can inspire the world, what’s possible for the largest mammal on the planet…and beyond.