Building Happiness
From the Archives
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Drama, Short Films, 25-Feb-2026
A brother and sister struggle to run their late mother's massage parlor. Legyaan Thapa directs "Building Happiness,” a slice-of-life look at early adult responsibilities and a failing family business. Hugo gives massages and washes dirty laundry at the “Building Happiness” spa. However, business is slow, his car is broken, and, worst of all, John, the competing neighbor, is always around to witness the struggle. When Hugo’s sister Angela returns from school, the news of her recent side hustle has Hugo seriously consider the future of the business. As the two siblings quietly thrash, trying to hold their heads above the water, drama unfolds in a subdued state. -JM. Director: Legyaan Thapa, Cast: Legyaan Thapa, Sooah Madison, Johnny Zito, John Joseph Squires, DP: Steven Zambon, Producer: Steven Chen, Riley Greenbaun.
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