Directors ARUN BHATTARAI, DOROTTYA ZURBÓ (Bhutan 2024) 94 min

Amber, a Nepalese refugee and caregiver for his ailing mother, works as a Bhutanese government agent, traversing the remote Himalayan mountains with his colleague to assess how their nation is feeling. That’s measured in Gross National Happiness (GNH), a response to global economic standards that challenged traditional Buddhist ideals of peace and prosperity. On Amber’s introspective journey, his own yearning for marriage intertwines with the diverse stories of those he encounters, including a transgender bar dancer, a man and his three wives, and a teenage girl grappling with familial challenges. Sparking profound contemplation, Agent of Happiness delves into the intricate tapestry of contentment, reflecting on the varied contextual influences—from modest joys to societal disparities—that affect our pursuit of fulfillment.