Crazy Happy
CRAZY HAPPY follows a group of people with mental health issues such as suicidal thoughts and depression, as they embark on a one hundred day journey to find happiness - with amazing results.
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Auckland International Photography Festival, NZ
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Artemis Film Festival, LA
OFFICIAL SELECTION - FINALIST Toronto Alternative Film Festival, Best Writer of a Feature - Winner
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Alison DavieDirector
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Alison DavieWriterShortland Street (tv drama) Danny Alexander (short film)
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Zuleika GilbertProducer
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Denise CaltauxKey Cast
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Meredith BarghKey Cast
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Shelley FosterKey Cast
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Povl JensenKey Cast
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Isaac BellEditor
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Alison DavieEditor
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Alex MasonCamera/Sound
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Project Type:Documentary
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Runtime:48 minutes 53 seconds
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Completion Date:June 14, 2016
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Production Budget:26,000 NZD
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Country of Origin:New Zealand
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Country of Filming:New Zealand
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:DCP
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
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Home town screeningWhangarei
New Zealand
December 14, 2016
Northland Premiere -
Alternative FIlm Festival (Toronto)Toronto
Canada
Best Writer of a Feature - Winner -
Artemis Film FestivalLos Angeles
United States
April 23, 2017
USA Premiere - Officially International Premiere -
Auckland International Photography and Arts FestivalAuckland
New Zealand
June 17, 2017
I graduated with Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2006, majoring in Writing and Directing. My graduating short film Danny Alexander was selected for the Ivy Film Festival in New York as well as NZ film festivals. I wrote for a TV before embarking on a solo career as a scriptwriter mostly. The opportunity arose to direct this documentary and due to the subject matter, i jumped at the chance. This is my first directing (and co--editing) film., filmed with no budget initially, then a $26,000 budget for post production.
This documentary is important because it introduces a new and unconventional yet simple form of therapy to people who suffer from mental health issues, depression and suicidal thoughts, and helps them find a way out by focusing on the positive side of life. SImple and easy - but truly effective. This is why it was important for me to do. In Northland particularly we have a rising number of suicides and youth suicides, which made us think that conventional methods weren't working and something needed to change - this is the change.