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