Born to Czechoslovak and Yugoslav parents in America, Roko Belic is an independent filmmaker who’s directorial debut, Genghis Blues (1999), was nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary feature. The entire film was made using home video cameras purchased on his and his brother’s credit cards. Roko’s multinational upbringing, together with his mother’s encouragement to explore the world through television documentaries, set the foundation for Belic’s passion and vision as a documentary filmmaker.
All of Roko’s films have been grassroots projects and have been made possible because of the generous support of friends, family and fans.
Roko’s current project, HAPPY, is a feature documentary that deals with many of the fundamental issues we face in today’s society. How do we balance the allure of money, fame and social status with our needs for good relationships, health and a sense of contentment? Through powerful interviews and a global journey the film seeks to share the wisdom found in traditional cultures and from the cutting edge science that is now, for the first time, exploring human happiness. He hopes that the lessons learned through the film can not only help individuals find more peace and contentment in their own lives, but that the shift toward happiness will lead us to be more compassionate, less destructive and better citizens of the world.
Roko is in the process of trying to raise money to finish his film, HAPPY.
