BBFF25 Happyend

In a world under watch, growing up becomes an act of resistance. Set in near-future Tokyo, Happyend follows a group of high school friends drifting toward graduation under the daily threat of earthquakes. These five high school friends share music, laughter, and the small rituals that hold teenage life together - until a bold prank on a teacher’s car triggers a crackdown. Their school installs a cutting-edge surveillance system, powered by AI and facial recognition, that watches every move and punishes even the mildest defiance. As rules tighten and pressure mounts, their once-solid friendships begin to shift... Rooted in connection but shadowed by control, Happyend is the debut narrative feature from Neo Sora (Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus), winner of the Young Cinema Award at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. Beautifully performed by a cast of mostly first-time actors, and premiering at Venice, this thoughtful and affecting film explores how young people navigate friendship, fear, and the slow erosion of freedom - with heart, insight, and grace.