Miriam Margolyes, Emma Booth, Richard Roxburgh, Deborah Mailman and Joel Jackson star in this delightful adaptation of the award-winning YA novel My Life as an Alphabet.

Led by newcomers Daisy Axon and Wesley Patten, H is for Happiness is the story of Candice Phee, a relentlessly optimistic and hilariously forthright girl on the cusp of her 13^th birthday. Candice’s family is in disarray: her mum has been living with depression since the death of Candice’s baby sister, while her dad and his brother – Candice’s beloved Rich Uncle Brian – are not on speaking terms. As she faces the uncertainties of impending adolescence with the help of her new friend Douglas Benson, Candice hatches a variety of outlandish schemes to make her nearest and dearest happy again.

MIFF Accelerator Lab alumnus John Sheedy, director of the MIFF 2017 Best Australian Short Film Mrs McCutcheon, makes his feature debut with this sunny and buoyant coming-of-age tale. Supported by the MIFF Premiere Fund and adapted from Barry Jonsberg’s acclaimed young adult novel, it’s a warm-hearted hug of a film, unafraid to tackle serious themes while remaining laugh-out-loud funny and sweetly uplifting. Gorgeously shot by Bonnie Elliot (Undertow, MIFF Premiere Fund 2018) and produced by Julie Ryan (Red Dog, MIFF 2011), Tenille Kennedy (Bad Girl, MIFF Premiere Fund 2016) and Lisa Hoppe – who also wrote the screenplay – H is for Happiness is a charming film for the whole family.

MIFF’s Kids Gala turns five in 2019, and to celebrate we’ve given it a makeover. Now known as the Family Gala, it’s the same fun-filled, family-friendly gala screening you know and love. Join us for the World Premiere of H is for Happiness, complete with a celebratory red carpet and party, fun activities and delicious treats.

Please note: children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is over 18 years of age.

Read a Q&A with John Sheedy