What is the key to happiness?

Nebraska Wesleyan University will screen the new feature-length documentary “Happy,” a movie that leads viewers on a journey across five continents in search of the keys to happiness.

The free screening will be held Tuesday, February 21 at 7 p.m. in Olin B Lecture Hall, located in the Olin Hall of Science.

“Happy” takes the viewer from the bayous of Louisiana to the deserts of Namibia, from the beaches of Brazil to the mountains of Bhutan. In filming the documentary, Academy Award-nominated director Roko Belic found that goals associated with happier people — goals such as compassion, friendship and a sense of connectedness to one’s community— were in sharp contrast with another set of goals perceived, falsely, to lead to happiness: money, power, fame and social status.

“Happy” follows real-life dramas including a beautiful mother of three who had a perfect life until the day she was run over by a truck. Disabled for nine years and disfigured for life, amazingly she is happier now than before her accident. Manoj Singh, a rickshaw puller from the slums of Kolkata, India who lives in a hut made of plastic bags with his family, is found to be as happy as the average American. Through these and other stories “Happy” leads viewers toward a deeper understanding of how people can all live more fulfilling, healthy and happy lives.

Following the screening, a panel discussion by Nebraska Wesleyan University faculty will offer insight on the film. Panelist will include psychology professors Frank Ferraro and Abby Mitchell and NWU cross country and track coach Ted Bulling.

Olin B Lecture Hall is located one block east of 50th Street & St. Paul Ave.