Private Project

The Happiness Experiment

A father responds to son's suicide by spreading happiness throughout his community and affecting change through the message of choosing happiness.

  • Jaccii Farris
    Director
    Mayo Girl, Letters to Frieda, Kids Who Kill: the evolution of the juvenile justice system, King of the Buskers
  • Jaccii Farris
    Writer
  • Meghan Reese
    Producer
  • Gary King
    Key Cast
  • Stephen Dean
    Editor
  • Dave Hinson
    Audio Technician
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    39 minutes 50 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 30, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16.9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Rehoboth Beach, DE
    United States
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Jaccii Farris

Jaccii Farris originally hails from Roswell, New Mexico but now resides in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. Jaccii is a 10-time Emmy winning News Reporter and documentary director/writer/producer. Jaccii, with her film company, Julian Farris Films have won critical acclaim at film festivals, have won AP Best documentary and Edward R Murrow awards for their work.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"The Happiness Experiment" is a deeply personal and transformative journey that explores the profound impact of one man's mission to spread joy and healing in the face of unimaginable loss. As the director, my vision was to capture the raw and authentic essence of Gary King's story—a story that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
Gary's journey began with a simple yet powerful idea: to place happiness signs around St. Petersburg, Florida, as a way to heal from the trauma of losing his son, Jason, to suicide. Through this film, we delve into the complexities of grief, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity for healing. We witness Gary's unwavering commitment to his mission, as he tirelessly puts up signs and hands out happiness stickers, touching countless lives along the way.
The film also introduces us to a diverse group of individuals whose lives have been impacted by Gary's experiment. From Delany, who found hope in a moment of despair, to Dr. Debbie Roche, a fellow survivor who shares Gary's passion for healing, each story adds a unique layer to the narrative.
Through "The Happiness Experiment," I hope to inspire audiences to reflect on their own journeys and the power of small acts of kindness. This film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that happiness can be found in the most unexpected places.