Happy People: A Year in the Taiga (2010)

In the untouched depths of Siberia's Taiga forest, time stands still, frozen like the ground beneath the vast evergreens. The film, Happy People: A Year in the Taiga, draws us into the simple and enduring lifestyle of the people of Bakhtia, a remote village nestled against the pulse of the Yenisei River. As the wheel of the year turns, we're invited to experience a way of life that is intricately woven with the rhythm of the seasons and the whims of nature. The villagers, anchored by centuries-old cultural traditions, navigate their daily and annual routines with a blend of ancient wisdom and occasional modern innovation. From a father passing on his knowledge of logging and hunting to his eager apprentice, to the rare hum of a chainsaw breaking the vast silence, we witness the seamless blend of the old and the new. The camera becomes our guide, intimately following the protagonists over a year, capturing their lives in a series of expressive images that speak louder than words. The authenticity of their existence is brought to life by original sound bites, echoing the villagers' voices as they narrate their stories. Happy People: A Year in the Taiga offers a compelling look into a world where man and nature coexist in an eternal dance of survival and harmony, untouched by the hands of time. This documentary is a testament to the resilience of human spirit and the power of tradition in the face of change.

Happy People: A Year in the Taiga is a documentary movie featuring Werner Herzog.

Happy People: A Year in the Taiga is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee, Kanopy, Plex, Plex Player and Tubi TV and it's also available on Amazon Prime Video, Fandor Amazon Channel, Hoopla and OVID.

It is also possible to buy Happy People: A Year in the Taiga on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.