Private Project

Fairways to Happiness

An American expat in Dubai explores people's ideas of happiness while an amateur British golfer attempts to conquer the course.

  • Douglas Morrione
    Director
    Everything in the Song is True
  • Douglas Morrione
    Writer
    Everything in the Song is True
  • Douglas Morrione
    Producer
    Everything in the Song is True
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Genres:
    Travel, Human Interest
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 20 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    November 1, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    50,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United Arab Emirates
  • Country of Filming:
    United Arab Emirates
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital UHD
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • World Premiere
    Dubai
    United Arab Emirates
    May 12, 2022
    World Premiere
Director Biography - Douglas Morrione

Doug Morrione (B.A., Colby College, M.A., The Newschool for Social Research) is an award-winning television producer and filmmaker currently based in Dubai, UAE. His work has been broadcast internationally on major networks, including HBO, ESPN, NBC, and PBS for over two decades. Doug also taught media studies graduate school programs in Manhattan, particularly courses in editing for film and documentary production. His last film, Everything in the Song is True, won multiple awards internationally and can be viewed on most streaming platforms.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Experts and expats from across the globe including a priest, monk, veterinarian, educators and everyday folks guide us on the complex journey to contentment. At the same time, we follow Eugene, struggling to lower his score on the golf course — a quest that often mirrors the emotional rollercoaster of life.

Doug Morrione (director), inspired by his relocation to the UAE — the first country to appoint a federal minister of happiness — interviewed expats from around the world on what it takes to lead a more content, meaningful and satisfying life. The story reaches out from Dubai to Nepal, England, Austria, Ireland, Ukraine, The United States, Bangladesh and other destinations to see how life in people's home countries juxtaposes over their lives in Dubai.

The film also explores the growing emphasis on well-being science and positive education in schools as students, parents and educators attempt to navigate the perils of a social media landscape where children are now living two lives — online and in the real world.