H is for Happiness is the story of Candice Phee, a relentlessly optimistic and hilariously forthright girl on the cusp of her 13th birthday. Candice’s family is in disarray: her mum has been living with depression since the death of Candice’s baby sister, while her dad and his brother – Candice’s beloved Rich Uncle Brian – are not on speaking terms. As she faces the uncertainties of impending adolescence with the help of her new friend Douglas Benson, Candice hatches a variety of outlandish schemes to make her nearest and dearest happy again.
John Sheedy, director of the MIFF 2017 Best Australian Short Film Mrs McCutcheon, makes his feature debut with this sunny and buoyant coming-of-age tale. Adapted from Barry Jonsberg’s acclaimed young adult novel, it’s a warm-hearted film, unafraid to tackle serious themes while remaining funny and sweetly uplifting.
68th Melbourne International Film Festival, World Premiere
H is for Happiness
A film by John Sheedy
Directed by John Sheedy
Screenplay by Lisa Hoppe
Produced by Julie Ryan (Red Dog), Tenille Kennedy (Bad Girl) and Lisa Hoppe
Cinematography by Bonnie Elliot
Production Design by Nicki Gardiner
Costume Design by Terri Lamera
Music by Nerida Tyson-Chew
Editing by Johanna Scott