The line extended out of the doors of the Redwood Room in Sacramento State’s University Union and wrapped around the wall past Java City. Students entered the room and seated themselves before a large projector screen to watch the film, “Happy.”

“Happy” was shown on Thursday, March 12 from 5-8 p.m. in the Redwood Room of the University Union at Sacramento State.

As depicted by the flyers around campus advertising this event, “Happy” is not only a movie but a movement. The film inspires people to reflect on their own definition of happiness and to look for ways to cultivate this state of emotion.

The film was put on by Psi Chi, the Psi Chi Honor Society and the Psychology Society.

“Happy,” directed by Roko Belic, asks the question, “How do people define happiness?” Belic traveled through 14 different countries and immersed himself in different cultures on his journey for the answer.

Some of these revelations included, living in simplicity, letting go of our control on everything and being grateful for our present blessings.

One woman, in particular, from the film had been run over by a car, and her whole life changed. She said through this experience she learned to let go of her desire to control everything in her life. This included the reasoning for the accident that had taken place: “I don’t understand. I don’t need to understand and that’s okay.”

“Happy” was something students and faculty were able to learn from by reflecting on different themes brought up throughout the duration of the film.

The film put a heavy emphasis on connection and social support.

“It’s important to be intentional, especially as this is a commuter school,” said Rebecca Cameron, psychology professor at Sac State. “Look beyond the demand of your day and find ways and time to connect with each other.”

“Happy” also embraced presentness in the current moment unfolding.

“It’s about making it count and being intentional for the little moments you have,” said Kathryn Clifford, psychology lecturer at Sac State. “Embrace your discomfort and put your phone down. When you are trying to capture a moment on Instagram, you aren’t really enjoying that present happiness. You’re already looking at the future and commenting on the moment you’re in. By doing this, you just missed that moment.”

After the film ended, an open discussion took place where students were free to give their perspective on happiness and how they have cultivated their own.

The film’s question seemed to break through the fourth wall of the movie screen and land on the hearts of each person in the crowd because many students spoke up.

“I will consciously practice smiling to every person I meet, and there’s just an explosion when you see others break into a smile as well, it’s just magical,” said Rayna Ryan, a psychology major and junior transfer student.

Other students expressed what moved them the most.

“The middle school scene moved me the most, how they raised their hands and faced their fears in front of a whole crowd,” said Ashley Maddux, a sophomore at Sac State. “They addressed the audience about what had hurt them and how it affected them.”

“It was almost like for this small time together, there was a net connecting people,” said Tina Smith, president of Psi Chi. “No one was judging anyone but just accepting what each person was saying and offering support.”

Cameron dedicated this film screening to Naomi Thomas, who was part of the Psychology Department at Sac State. Thomas passed away this past weekend.

“She was a welcoming smile to students and faculty,” said Cameron. “We remember her for her warmth and brightness,…This film also encourages us to remember people who have shared happiness with us.”