Happy

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.

  • Ivan Rodin
    Director
  • Bangis Schastlivyi
    Key Cast
    "Bangis Schastlivyi (Happy)"
  • Pavel Filileev
    DoP
  • Marina Maria Melnik
    Editor
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Счастливый
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Comedy, Documentary
  • Runtime:
    39 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    October 20, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    6,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Russian Federation
  • Country of Filming:
    Russian Federation
  • Language:
    Russian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - VGIK (Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography)
  • VGIK International Student Festival
    Moscow
    Russian Federation
    November 18, 2021
    International premiere
    Best Documentary Film
  • Russian Television Academy Awards «Student TEFI» 2022
    Moscow
    Russian Federation
    Best Director
  • MiraBan UK Film Awards 2022
    London
    United Kingdom
    Best Student Film
  • 9th Noida International Film Festival
    Delhi
    India
    Best Documentary (Student)
  • Crown Wood International Film Festival 2022

    India
    Best Documentary Short Film
Director Biography - Ivan Rodin

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.

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Director 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.