In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the UN resolution 66/128 - The International Day of Happiness - stating that the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal.
Since then, the International Day of Happiness has been celebrated on the 20th of March every year, as a way to recognise the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. This year’s theme is Share Happiness - focusing on the importance of relationships, kindness and helping each other. Something we are totally on board with!
How you choose to spend the International Day of Happiness is up to you and it depends on what makes you happy, but if you’re are stuck for ideas, check out the official Day of Happiness website for some ideas.
We, however, would like to suggest that you spend this day of hope and goodwill by checking out a great South African film. The local film repertoire is filled with hidden gems and beautiful testaments to our country, the people and how far we have come – guaranteed to give you all the feels.
Here are our suggestions of 5 excellent local movies that will make you smile:
The excellent mockumentary tells the story of Wonder Boy, a happy-go-lucky guy who is convinced by two corrupt politicians to become the new ANC president, so that they can engineer his downfall at the right time. Don’t miss this excellent South African comedy.
2. Liefling
Liefling is an entertaining musical set in the small town of Hartbeespoort about young love, fun and family during a summer vacation. It tells the story of Liefling Marias and her friends – and frenemies – with a soundtrack of great Afrikaans liedjies.
3. Jozi
This popular comedy is about a comedy writer who has lost his sense of humour, and the journey he must go on to get it back. Expect both tears and laugh-out-loud moments in this one.
This beautiful tale of cross-cultural relationships pulls at all the heart strings. It depicts the relationship of Fanie, an Afrikaner, and Dinky, a Zulu woman, who fall in love despite the odds, and the response of the greater community.
This film, which will make you simultaneously laugh and cry, is a romantic adventure drama about a man who goes on a road trip to Cape Town to fulfil his father’s dying wish. On his trip, he has to complete a series of tasks, and meets a beautiful woman who changes how he sees things.
Celebrate International Day of Happiness today and always with series, movies and doccies to make you smile on Showmax. Watch all these classic South African films as well fantastic local comedy series like the smash hit Tali’s Wedding Diary, Becoming Mrs Jones and a wide range of international movies and series.
Get a free 14 -day trial if you are a first-time user when you sign up for Showmax, and if you’re a DStv Premium subscriber, get Showmax at no extra cost. Find out how here. DStv Compact subscribers get Showmax for R49. Find out more here.