MAY I BE HAPPY
MINDFULNESS IN THE CLASSROOM AND BEYOND

SYNOPSIS

MAY I BE HAPPY reveals the significance of mindfulness practice in transforming the lives of young people.

Through poetic cinematography and sequences of teachers leading sensitive or boisterous practices to kids from different backgrounds, the film brings awareness to the benefits of mindfulness as a way out of violence and suffering, and as an attainable solution for younger generations.

This full-length feature documentary captures the very real challenges American children face, whether in elite private schools, public schools, on the streets, or in juvenile detention centres. Hearing the frustration of dedicated educators who find ways to teach from the heart, and seeing their optimistic work with youth is an uplifting experience. Interviews with teachers and leaders in the field of mindfulness research and education, including Dr. Dan Siegel and Vinny Ferraro, offer insights into the growing practice of mindfulness in education.

Covering varying approaches to mindfulness by a range of San Francisco Bay Area programs, MAY I BE HAPPY reminds us of children’s natural capacity for wellbeing, resilience and happiness.

DIRECTOR’S BIO

Eric Georgeault and Hélène Walter are independent directors and producers from France.

Éric Georgeault has 15 years of experience in directing, shooting, and editing documentaries in Paris for French national television.

As a news reporter and cameraman he filmed numerous documentaries for “Envoyé Spécial” (France 2 national television network) and for Franco-German television network Arte. He has covered social issues, culture, sports, and news for the French networks Canal Plus, France 5, and Paris Première as a director. At the same time, Hélène Walter was flying around the world as a flight attendant. From her own long-term personal practice, Hélène discovered the meaningful path of teaching mindfulness to children.

In 2006 they moved to Spéracèdes, a small village in the South of France and founded their production company Tama Production to create international-standard videos for corporate and private entities.

With the intention of bringing awareness on the benefits of mindfulness for youth, Eric and Hélène decided to self produce this independent film.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

After completing her training, Hélène offered to teach the tools of mindfulness to the children of the primary school in her village. Her teacher friend of a class of 1st graders was delighted to welcome her in her class but the Director of the school was opposed.

“I realised that we had to inform people; explain what the practice is about and answer any questions they may have. It inspired me to make this film. I asked Eric if he wanted to make it happen, he agreed and we jumped together in the project without asking any questions.

As the United States have always been a leader in innovation and since I had trained there, we wanted to show the initiatives that are already in place and working so that everyone can form their own opinion.

The intention was not to highlight statistics or scientific studies but that we can attend live moments and collect testimonials from teachers and young people.”

They organised filming from France and Eric left alone with his camera to tour schools and institutions in the San Francisco Bay Area for five weeks. He realised editing and postproduction in France from Spéracèdes, a small village in the South of France where they live.

PRINT SOURCE

Hélène Walter
Contact helene@tamaproduction.fr – @mayibehappyfilm