B-Happy is a 2003 Chilean-Spanish-Venezuelan drama film directed by Gonzalo Justiniano and written by Justiniano, Sergio Gómez, Daniela Lillo and Fernando Aragón. It stars Manuela Martelli accompanied by Eduardo Barril, Lorene Prieto, Felipe Ríos and Ricardo Fernández.

Synopsis

Kathy lives with her brother Danilo in a small coastal town in Chile. Her life is marked by the absence of her father, who is serving a sentence for multiple robberies, and by the permanent difficulties she must face. At the Lyceum, Kathy meets Chemo, a kind and sensitive boy. Together, they begin an intense relationship of mutual discovery. Meanwhile, Kathy falls into depression due to the increasing loneliness that surrounds her. It will be a painful process, but her strength of spirit and optimism will carry her through.

Cast

The actors participating in this film are:

Release

B-Happy had its world premiere on September 5, 2003, at the Toronto International Film Festival, then it was screened on October 18, 2003, as the opening film of the Valdivia International Film Festival. It was commercially released on January 8, 2004, in Chilean theaters, then screened on February 20, 2004, at the Mexico City International Film Festival.

Reception

Critical reception

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 60% of 5 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.4/10.

Accolades

YearAwardCategoryRecipientResultRef.
2003Havana New Latin American Film FestivalSecond Choral PrizeB-HappyWon
Best ActressManuela MartelliWon
2004Bolivian Contemporary Film FestivalWon
Santo Domingo International Film FestivalWon
Best ScreenplayGonzalo Justiniano, Sergio Gómez, Daniela Lillo & Fernando AragónWon
Best CinematographyAndrés GarretónWon
Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent CinemaFestival Cultural Diversity AwardB-HappyWon
International Film Festival of Cartagena de IndiasBest FilmNominated
Best ScreenplayGonzalo Justiniano, Sergio Gómez, Daniela Lillo & Fernando AragónWon
Best Supporting ActressLorene PrietoWon
Berlin International Film FestivalCICAE Award - Best FilmB-HappyWon
IFFS-FICC - Special MentionWon

External links