Documentary follows students on three continents as they search for lasting happiness.

DENVER, June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Oriental Theater will sponsor the Colorado premiere of PROJECT HAPPINESS, a new documentary that follows students on a quest for lasting happiness.  The screening will be followed by a Q&A discussion with PROJECT HAPPINESS creator, Randy Taran, as well as a panel of local experts (TBA).  A percentage of the profits from the evening will go to benefit Denver's Excelsior Youth Center.

PROJECT HAPPINESS documents the lives of ordinary young people on an extraordinary journey to explore the nature of lasting happiness.  The film focuses on four teens from Santa Cruz, California.  Each faces personal obstacles to happiness: loss, alienation and the everyday challenges of being a teenager passing into adulthood.  PROJECT HAPPINESS introduces them to their peers in Nigeria and India and quickly leaves lectures and books behind.  In addition to connecting with each other, the teens engage in conversations with cultural icons George Lucas, Richard Gere and groundbreaking neuroscientist Richard Davidson.  At the end of their year together, the three groups converge in India for a rare private interview with the Dalai Lama—an event that rocks their expectations, brings more questions than answers and marks a new chapter in their lives.  

The Mill Valley Film Festival considers PROJECT HAPPINESS "one of the most anticipated films of the year."   And filmmaker and educational activist George Lucas calls PROJECT HAPPINESS "a wonderful film and amazing achievement."  

PROJECT HAPPINESS is an Official Selection at several upcoming film festivals throughout the world including the Seoul Youth International Film Festival and the WorldKids International Film Festival.   Inspired by the film, creator/producer Randy Taran has created a nonprofit called PROJECT HAPPINESS that teaches kids and young adults social and emotional life skills through after school and university programs, a work book and an international outreach that is touching thousands of lives.

About Excelsior Youth Center:

Based in Denver, Colorado, Excelsior Youth Center is a residential treatment program established in 1973, serving girls between the ages of 11-18 with emotional and behavior difficulties. They are committed to the treatment and education of these young women and strive to enhance their successful reintegration into their families and their communities.

Media: Randy Taran and others from the film are available for press and promotional interviews.

PROJECT HAPPINESS documentary screening

Includes Q&A discussion with PROJECT HAPPINESS creator Randy Taran

Sponsored by: The Oriental Theater

Event Date: Monday, June 27th, 7:30 p.m.

Location:

The Oriental Theater

4335 West 44th Avenue

Denver, CO 80212

Tickets: $10

Tickets can be purchased at the door or advanced tickets can be ordered for this screening at: http://www.theorientaltheater.com/show/detail/45112

SOURCE PROJECT HAPPINESS

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