almost happy
In hopes for a better life Hassan's parents fled to Denmark from Somalia, before he was born, with a wish to return again when the situation had improved. Thus they never applied for a Danish citizenship. But the situation never improved, and the family is still in Denmark. Now neither Hassan nor his siblings have a Danish citizenship, even though they were all born and raised here.
The film follows Hassan through 2.5 years, in the final phase of his application process for Danish citizenship. At this point, he has been in the application process for almost 10 years. Hassans’ story gives insights to the consequences of living without a Danish citizenship where his only legal attachment is a grey alien passport for identification, that among other things restricts him from going on exchange.
The many obstacles Hassan face with the Danish bureaucracy are just one example, however many other young people live the same situation.
30 mins
Screening before the feature film Cibernéticas.
About the director
For the past five years Jennifer has worked with the themes of identity, ethnic diversity and belonging.
In 2020 the pilot for ALMOST HAPPY (which was filmed on an iPhone) was selected for CPH:DOX talent award. With this film, she tries to put a face on "people in the system" depicted as whole people, with hopes and dreams.
ALMOST HAPPY is Jennifer’s third short documentary.
