Mission: Joy Finding Happiness in Troubled Times

Mission: Joy Finding Happiness in Troubled Times is a truly inspiring documentary released in 2021 that beautifully captures the ideas, conversations, and teachings of two charismatic, world-renowned spiritual leaders and best friends - His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

This compelling documentary makes for a captivating watch as it presents the intimate week-long encounter in Dharamshala between two Nobel Peace Prize Laureates who have lived through adversity and have emerged as avatars of joy and happiness for the entire world. The film has embedded itself with the profound wisdom, infectious giggles, unadulterated laughter, and cherished friendship of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, and Desmond Tutu, two of the most influential figures of our times.

Directed by Peggy Callahan and co-directed by Louie Psihoyos and Rick Lipton, who also serves as its writer, "Mission: Joy Finding Happiness in Troubled Times" is a compelling mixture of animation, verite, archival footage, and interviews. It successfully brings to life five extraordinary days of widely valued conversations and profound teaching sessions recorded in the Book of Joy.

The narrative predominantly unfolds through the five-day event in Dharamsala, India, the official residence of the Dalai Lama, where the duo celebrate the 80th birthday of the Tibetan spiritual leader. Archival footage of both Tutu's and Dalai Lama's life underpin their teachings as their experiences from the past come to life to inspire resilience and strength in a world where happiness often feels unattainable.

The Dalai Lama, known as an epitome of compassion and non-violence, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, recognized globally for his endeavors against apartheid in South Africa, engage in spiritual dialogues, occasionally bursting into infectious moments of genuine laughter and joy, which become the film’s spine. Their teachings encompass instilling optimism and hope in a world undergoing various crises, suggesting methods to combat despair and discover joy amidst the adversities.

Co-author Doug Abrams is also key to the unfolding of these interactions, offering his experiences and insights into the companionship and teachings of these two global icons. His interactions with the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu shed light on these extraordinary men's ability to discover happiness, even in the face of extreme adversity.

The uniqueness of Mission: Joy Finding Happiness in Troubled Times is further enhanced by the fact that it dispels myths surrounding joy and happiness. It asserts that these emotions are not the highlights of fleeting moments of triumph but the enduring outcomes of confronting and overcoming adversity. It is a gentle reminder that happiness isn't a gift but a skill that can be cultivated and developed.

The documentary explores how these two paramount figures, who possess an immense following and have experienced harsh realities, suffering, and hardships, manage to radiate joy, happiness, and tranquility. They exclaim that happiness isn't about dwelling on the positives and ignoring the negatives; rather, it is about acknowledging the negatives and still choosing to look beyond them.

The film tends to resonate with its audience by challenging their perception of joy and happiness. The wisdom imparted through these teachings serves as a beacon of hope for those struggling to find happiness in their lives. This profound dialogue between two figures, who have dedicated their lives to peace, compassion, and forgiveness, reveal that joy transcends societal boundaries, bridged by the common human experience of struggle, forgiveness, pain, and peace.

Mission: Joy Finding Happiness in Troubled Times fosters the idea of a universal language of joy and urges its audiences to foster it in their lives, especially during troubled times. The humor and profound wisdom tucked into the dialogue, the priceless pearls of wisdom, and the joie de vivre radiating from these larger-than-life individuals are sure to inspire, motivate, and deepen your understanding of the pursuit of authentic happiness.