US film maker Karen L. Mintz is in the process of making what looks like a fascinating documentary about the nation of Bhutan: Gross National Happiness, 68 Miles from Thimphu.
Since before the abdication of the 4th King of Bhutan last year, the documentary crew have been following the nation’s development from a monarchy to a democracy. It’s an in-depth project, with filming having begun back in 2006 and not set to finish until after the elections take place in 2008.
The term “Gross National Happiness” originates with the King of Bhutan. When in 1972 he as asked what the gross national product of his country was, he replied that he wasn’t interested in Bhutan’s gross national product, but rather in its gross national happiness.
More recently, other nations have begun to try finding ways of quantifying happiness as part of the measure of their country’s success. One example that comes to mind is the recent index of happiness and well-being among children in Europe. (First place went to the Dutch.)
Early footage of the documentary can be viewed in several bite-size pieces on the Sandokai Productions website. There’s a very interesting story being told here, so take a look.
