David Jonsson, the fast-rising British star of “Alien: Romulus,” “Rye Lane” and “Industry,” has joined Phoebe Arnstein’s short film “If You’re Happy” as executive producer.
Starring “The Crown” alumnus Erin Doherty (soon to be seen in Disney+ series “A Thousand Blows”), “If You’re Happy” follows Lotte (Doherty) as she navigates the daunting challenges and demands of early motherhood. Seeking connection, she attends a local baby group led by a bizarre teacher (Jo Hartley). Lotte is further displaced by the surreal environment and uses a childish game to vent her fury, sparking an unexpected, primal outpouring of emotions amongst the other mothers.
“All the things about British cinema. Shot in my hometown — honest, complex simplicity. A story of our time,” said Jonsson, who was recently unveiled as one of Variety‘s 10 actors to watch in 2024.
“’If You’re Happy’ is about the importance of meaningful human connection in a time of crisis,” said writer/director Arnstein. “I’m thrilled that David felt the film’s universal draw and has come on board to executive produce.”
Recent Camerimage Golden Frog winner Michael Dymek (“E.O.,” “A Real Pain,” “The Girl With the Needle”) serves as director of photography on “If You’re Happy.” Sophia Gibber (“Wasteman,” “The Bike Thief”), Myles Payne (“Femme,” “Beast”) and Scarlett Barclay are producers, while Salaud Morisset is spearheading the worldwide festival and commercial distribution. Additional exec producers are David Staniland and James Sorton.
Arnstein won the young director’s award for her documentary “We the Bathers,” as well as receiving a Vimeo ‘best of the year’ nomination. She was selected by HBO’s mentoring scheme and shadowed the lead director on “Succession,” and is currently developing her debut feature with Film 4, which Gibber is producing.
Jonsson — whose upcoming films include Lionsgate’s “The Long Walk,” based on the Stephen King novel, and Cal Macdiarmid’s feature “Wasteman” — is represented by Olivia Homan at United Agents, Zach Kaplan at CAA and Granderson Des Rochers. Arnstein is represented by Roxana Adle and Nick Hitchcock at Lark Management. Doherty is represented by Kat Oliver at Conway van Gelder Grant, Sarah Fargo and Matthew Kaplan at Paradigm and Elise Konialian at Untitled Entertainment.
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