The Definition of Happiness

A New Documentary on Mental Health, Resilience & the Pursuit of Wellbeing

What if everything we’ve been told about happiness… is wrong?

The Definition of Happiness is a new documentary by Australian filmmaker Tim Elwin. Filmed across Australia, the US, New Zealand, and Fiji, this personal and global journey explores what it really means to be happy—from the people living it, the scientists studying it, and those still searching for it.

The diverse range of topics and ideas cuts through the bullshit and delivers something for everybody. Sit back, smile and enjoy!
— Bryce Hastings
A triumphant and exemplary exploration of the world’s most important topic…
— Tom Nash

Official TrailerThe Definition of Happiness is a global documentary by Tim Elwin exploring the truth behind our pursuit of joy. Filmed across Australia, the U.S., New Zealand, and Fiji. Watch now.

From the director of Distressed, this 96-minute feature documentary blends lived experience, science, and global perspectives to explore the question: what does it really mean to be happy?

Filmed across Australia, the US, New Zealand, and Fiji, The Definition of Happiness follows Tim Elwin’s deeply personal journey—from a life-altering accident to reconnection through the ocean and the stories of others—asking whether the pursuit of happiness is helping us or holding us back.

🎙️ Featuring insights from:

Dr. Wallace J. Nichols – Marine biologist & author of Blue Mind

Prof. Felice Jacka – Co-Director, Food & Mood Centre, Deakin University

Prof. Adrienne O’Neil – Professor of Nutritional Psychiatry, Deakin University

Prof. Sonja Lyubomirsky – Distinguished Professor, University of California

Prof. Gabriele Oettingen – Psychologist, NYU; creator of WOOP

Dr. Tim Sharp – Positive psychology expert, aka “Dr. Happy”

Tom Nash – International speaker, storyteller, quadruple amputee

Bryce Hastings – Head of Research, Les Mills

Dr. Samuel Mehr – Psychology of music, Harvard & Auckland Universities

Don Flanagan – 93-year-old ocean swimmer and local legend

This film invites viewers to reflect, reconnect, and maybe even redefine happiness altogether.

🎬 Full release: July 2025

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A documentary by Tim Elwin

What if everything we’ve been told about happiness is wrong?

The Definition of Happiness is a raw, global exploration into the meaning of happiness—directed by Australian filmmaker Tim Elwin. After a life-altering motorcycle accident left him permanently disabled, Tim’s connection to the ocean became a lifeline in his rehabilitation. This intensely personal journey sparked a deeper question: Why are so many people still unhappy, even when they have everything they thought they needed?

Filmed across Australia, the United States, New Zealand, and Fiji, the documentary dives into the universal pursuit of happiness—and the damage that pursuit can cause. Through powerful interviews, moments of stillness, and confronting truths, the film reveals how chasing happiness as an external goal is leading millions toward burnout, disconnection, and depression.

This isn’t another feel-good wellness doc. It’s an unflinching look at the systems, expectations, and inner battles that shape how we define a “good life.” Along the way, The Definition of Happiness introduces us to surfers, psychologists, monks, artists, and ordinary people who’ve found their own answers—sometimes in the most unexpected places.

Interviewees include:

Dr. Wallace J. Nichols – Author of Blue Mind

Prof. Felice Jacka – Professor of Nutritional Psychiatry & Director, Food & Mood Centre, Deakin University

Prof. Adrienne O’Neil – Professor of Nutritional Psychiatry & Director, Food & Mood Centre, Deakin University

Tom Nash – International Speaker, Storyteller, Vagabond

Prof. Sonja Lyubomirsky – Distinguished Professor, University of California

Prof. Gabriele Oettingen – Professor of Psychology, New York University, WOOP

Dr. Tim Sharp – Positive Psychology Expert (aka Dr. Happy), The Happiness Institute

Bryce Hastings – MPhil, Head of Research at Les Mills

Dr. Samuel Mehr – Psychology of Music, Harvard & Auckland Universities

Don Flanagan – 93 year old Champion!

Why This Film Matters

In a world saturated with self-help slogans and social media highlight reels, this documentary cuts through the noise. It doesn’t offer quick fixes—it invites deeper reflection.

Director: Tim Elwin
Runtime: 96 minutes
Filming Locations: Sydney, Geelong, Los Angeles, Davenport, Chicago, New York, Fiji Islands
Genre: Feature Documentary, Social Impact

The Definition Of Happiness Documentary (2025)

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