A Happy Day
Synopsis
Three teenage boys are stuck at a remote youth asylum center in snow-laden northern Norway. Thoughtful and poetic Hamid, together with the always sensible Aras and easy-going Imael, is plotting his escape. Up and over the mountains, a land of infinite possibility and freedom awaits. But they have a deadline. On their 18th birthdays, each will be feted with a party and then promptly processed for return to their country of origin — places to which they all have tenuous connections. But then one day Aida shows up at the center, turning Hamid’s world, and the boys’ plans, upside down.
An impressive and imposing frosty Nordic landscape populated by mischievous reindeer provides the backdrop for this poetic, intimate tale of hope and heartbreak. Deadpan humor gently intertwines with the absurd in this poignant exploration of otherness, identity, and what it means to belong.
Screenings & Events
In-Person Screening
Fri, Oct 13 @ 8:15pm CDT
at Siskel Center, Screen 1
Director Hisham Zaman
Assistive Listening Devices available
Assistive Listening Devices availableIn-Person Screening
Sat, Oct 14 @ 2:30pm CDT
at AMC NEWCITY, Screen 6
Director Hisham Zaman
Film Credits
- Hisham Zaman
- Hisham Zaman
- Joakim Schager
- Łukasz Zamaro
- Salah Qadi, Ravand Ali Taha, Mohamed Salah, Sarah Aman Mentzoni, Hilde Skovdahl, Aryan Pezeshki, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Stig Frode Henriksen, Anja Saiva B. Björnstad
- Anthony Lledo
- Miriam Puttick, Linda Netland, Kjetil Jensberg
- Snowfall Cinema AS
Sponsors
International Competition Program Sponsor
John and Jacolyn Bucksbaum Family Foundation
Comedy Program Sponsor
212 W Van Buren St., Suite 400
