Documentary Short
Happy
Directed by 
Ivan Rodin
AFIN 2022 Finalist
- 2022
- 39m
-
Russia - Russian
- Drama
- Comedy
- Documentary
Stills
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Credits
Starring
Cinematography
Editing
Synopsis
Bangis Schastlivyi (Happy in Russian) is a son of an influential Guinean, and a simple Russian woman. He is one of the few black people born in the USSR. His whole life is a series of fascinating events: a meeting with his father, whom he has never seen before, gold mining in Africa, loses and gains. Despite all the difficulties, Bangis surname corresponds to reality. No matter what happens, he is still happy.
Director's Statement
“Happy” is not only a portrait of a wonderful person, but also a kind of journey through the history of Russia. Through our hero, we tell about the country: the arrival of foreign students in the USSR, criminal cities, Leningrad rock n roll and much more. It is also a dedication to the black community of Russia, which is not shown in the cinema and media. We really hope that our film will be understood and loved in different places, on different continents.
What makes this one special
- 5 awards at other festivalsVGIK International Student Festival · 9th Noida International Film Festival · Crown Wood International Film Festival 2022 and 2 more
- Programmed at 5 other festivalsAcross 3 countries
- A first-time filmmaker
- A student film
Also selected at
5 awards across 5 other festivals
- WinnerVGIK International Student Festival
- Winner9th Noida International Film Festival
- WinnerCrown Wood International Film Festival 2022
- WinnerMiraBan UK Film Awards 2022
- WinnerRussian Television Academy Awards «Student TEFI» 2022
Recorded by the filmmaker on their entry.
Director's Biography
Ivan Rodin Director
Ivan Rodin was born in 2000 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Since childhood, he was fond of cinema. Immediately after graduating from high school, he entered the VGIK Institute in Moscow to study documentary filmmaking. His mentor is Emmy-winning director Sergei Miroshnichenko. Ivan's interests include the study of the recent history of Russia and his hometown, as well as the problems of the country.