??Upbeat and heartfelt.? ? Screen Daily?
The theatrical release of H is for Happiness has been announced with the heartwarming Aussie film coming to cinemas on Thursday, 6th February 2020. Taking out the top prize at CinefestOZ 2019, H is for Happiness, produced by Julie Ryan (Hotel Mumbai, Red Dog), premiered globally at the Melbourne International Film Festival to a standing ovation and roaring reviews.
The feature debut of long-time theatre director, John Sheedy (Mrs McCutcheon), H is for Happiness is led by young Aussie newcomers Daisy Axon and Wesley Pattern, with a stellar supporting cast including Richard Roxburgh (Moulin Rouge, Hawke), Emma Booth (Once Upon a Time) and Joel Jackson (Jungle, The Boy Next Door). Also in the film is Miriam Margoyles, best known for her role as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter franchise, as well as award-winning actress Deborah Mailman (The Sapphires, Total Control, Offspring), 2019 winner for AACTA?s Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama.
Based on the young adult novel My Life as an Alphabet, by Australian author Barry Jonsberg, adapted for the screen by writer/producer Lisa Hoppe, H is for Happiness follows Candice Phee, an unflinchingly honest and optimistic twelve-year-old who is determined to bring her dysfunctional family back from the brink. Her exploits will inspire and delight anyone who has faced the trials of adolescence and the heartbreak of family tragedy.
Set to become an Aussie family favourite, H is for Happiness is a coming of age film that explores themes of first love, family relationships, loss and grief in a truly unique and lighthearted way.
H is for Happiness releases in cinemas 6 February, 2020.
DAISY AXON:
How does it feel to star in a movie? Are you looking forward to starring in other movies?
?It feels pretty surreal to me right now! I?m constantly pinching myself. These past few weeks and months have been insanely busy with all the press, but I always take time to step back and really let this magnificent experience soak in! I am always looking forward on seeing what the future holds with acting, especially since I?m growing older and constantly learning, but I do just like enjoying the moment now.?
How to balance work and school at such a young age?
?I am definitely not a pro on this topic, but I?d say I?ve had a lot of experience about balancing work and school. I enjoy school so I don?t really struggle to with managing school work and finding motivation to gets things done, especially when away on set. My advice would be to focus on what you love and have interests in and find a reason to study that can help you stay motivated, if you do miss out for some reason, always try and find time to catch up, even it?s only 5-15 minutes, everything?s worth it. In the past, I used to get quite stressed about missing weeks of school, but because my school supports my passion and the help I get from peers, I felt more comfortable.?
Tell us your favourite experience working on the sets of H is for Happiness?
?The overall experience of H is for Happiness, including pre-production and filming has been absolutely incredible! But one of my favourite experiences from working on set of H is for Happiness was all of the beautifully designed and costumes that I got to wear, and getting changed into them, as Candice?s costumes were so bright and colourful. Once I had on Candice?s costume, I really felt like her, as if her character was more to clear to me. The amazing all-female costume team were incredible and I loved seeing them every morning and day!?
WESLEY PATTEN:
How does it feel to star in a movie? Are you looking forward to starring in other movies?
?It?s pretty weird seeing myself & hearing your voice on Telly! I was a shy boy growing up so being in front of the camera has brought me outside the box and it?s kind of weird when people walk up to me in the street asking if I?m in this show or that movie. I?m looking forward to expanding my acting skills & the experience it brings, so yes I?m very much looking forward to my future endeavours. My goal is to act in a starring role in an action movie, who wouldn?t want to be a superhero????
How to balance work and school at such a young age?
?It?s difficult. I miss a lot of social activities like sports – I?m a big rugby league fan ( go Souths ? ) I?m not one for school work but I do miss interacting with my mates. I have a tutor for the times I miss schooling which I find is really good as I catch right back up from where I left, so a tutor is a must have.?
Tell us your favourite experience working on the sets of H is for Happiness?
?Working on H IS FOR HAPPINESS was a great experience because I got to go to another state (WA) and sight-see and stay in Albany which is a beautiful place! Working on set was one the most fun things I?ve ever been part of. From working with Joel Jackson who is one of the funniest guys you could ever meet. He makes you feel so comfortable. To meeting Miriam Margolyes for dinner (let?s just say that dinner is one dinner I will remember for the rest of my life). She?s one of a kind, such a funny lady. And Daisy Axon was so beautiful to work with. We became great friends with her family too. H IS FOR HAPPINESS was a great experience working amongst such talent and the production company is one I?ll never forget!?