How do we quantify happiness? In Bhutan, the self-proclaimed happiest country in the world, they have a mathematical formula for it. In the lovely and fascinating Agent of Happiness, directors Arun Bhattari and Dorottya Zurbo follow two government Happiness Agents as they trek through the Himalayas, assessing people’s contentment, even as their own could use a boost.

Agent of Happiness has no axe to grind with the current system, though it does suggest that there may be nuance to our feelings that can’t quite be harnessed by a 1-10 scale. Instead, it focuses on people, mostly our agents, Amber and Guna, but also the many other people along their staggeringly beautiful Himalayan route. Gorgeously shot, quirky, and full of heart. Agent of Happiness is a thoroughly winning film. — Vermont International Film Festival

Photo credit: Dogwoof