Filmmaker Atdhe “Theo” Trepca has traveled to all 50 states and beyond, asking people a simple question: Are you happy? To his surprise, people around the world, from New Yorkers to farmers in the Philippines, have responded with a resounding no. Regardless of location, there is a common thread of unhappiness among people. Trepca was shocked to discover that the overall consensus is that people are not happy.
The responses Trepca received were varied and profound. From a volunteer at a blood drive who nervously laughed when asked, to a man who admitted he was “a little sad” after losing his wife, the answers shed light on the complexities of happiness. Trepca believes that what upsets people most speaks to our core human desires of not wanting to be alone, wanting to be loved and understood, and not wanting to suffer. However, when given the chance to reflect on the question, many people reconsider and acknowledge that they have things to be thankful for.
Even those who have faced significant hardships find reasons to be grateful and happy upon reflection. Trepca noted that when people stop to reconsider their responses, they often realize they have more to be happy about than they initially thought. Some people, like Bill Murray, recognize their good fortune more easily and offer advice on finding happiness in the moment. Murray suggested that whatever struggles you were facing before, you can start anew and focus on happiness from that point forward.
Trepca’s journey was inspired by a French documentary and took place at a time when rates of depression in the US had reached an all-time high. His goal was to create a documentary titled “Are You Happy?” that would address global mental health concerns. Through snippets of his man-on-the-street interviews shared on social media, his project gained popularity among millions of viewers spanning 161 countries. Trepca believes that his documentary series has become a global look at mental health as it resonates with people around the world.
The success of Trepca’s videos can be attributed to the relatability of the content and the reminder that people are not alone in their struggles. By showcasing the humanity behind the responses to a simple question about happiness, Trepca has created a space for people to connect and reflect on their own lives. The openness and vulnerability of those interviewed have allowed viewers to see the common experiences and desires that unite us all, reinforcing the idea that happiness is both universal and individual.
