# The Infinite Happiness

The Infinite Happiness (2015) is a feature-length documentary directed by Bêka & Lemoine. The film portrays one of the contemporary residential developments considered to be a new model of success: the giant “8 House” designed in 2009 by Danish architects BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group in the suburbs of Copenhagen. The film builds up a collection of life stories all interconnected by their personal relation to the building, collected by the directors during a month-long immersion in the building.
Drawing the lines of a human map, the film reveals the building through an inner and intimate point of view. By showing the surprising results of this innovative social model, the directors question the architecture’s ability to create collective happiness.

## Reception

The Infinite Happiness has received widespread acclaim for its unique and engaging portrayal of the social power of architecture. The film was described as a “Breathtaking and warm documentary” that highlights how people's lives are influenced, both in large and small ways, by the built environment, with an approach that combines simplicity and musicality, as noted by Politiken. Its originality was praised by Der Tagesspiegel, which described it as “so original, vivid and witty”. This element of originality and vivacity was a recurring theme in reviews, with the Chicago Tribune calling it “wonderful” and “blessedly free of the customary documentary trappings”, highlighting the film's fresh and innovative approach. Many critics also recognized the film’s social aspect and its deep message. Der Standard referred to it as more than just a documentary, calling it “an ode to the architecture’s social power”. Similarly, Assemble praised how the film “pushing the limits of representation”, offering a thought-provoking reflection on how architecture impacts people and their daily lives. Additionally, Urban Toronto praised the film as “A light-hearted and insightful” recommending it as a must-see for those looking for a cinematic experience that will make them laugh and smile.

## Acquisitions

The Infinite Happiness is part of Bêka & Lemoine's broader body of work, which challenges conventional representations of architecture by emphasizing its human and emotional dimensions. The film has been included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, solidifying its status as a landmark in both architectural discourse and documentary filmmaking. The film has also been acquired by FRAC Centre in Orléans.

## Festivals, Screenings and Exhibitions

The film has been selected for numerous prestigious festivals, including PIAF, Perth (2018); ADFF New York (2017, 2015); Milano Design Film Festival (2016); ArchFilmLund, Lund (2016); DOXA, Vancouver (2016); DocAviv, Tel Aviv (2015); Chicago Film Festival, Chicago (2015); CPH:DOX, Copenhagen (2015); Antenna Documentary Film Festival, Sydney (2015); Le FIFA, Montreal (2015); CAFx, Copenhagen (2015).
It has also been screened at leading institutions such as Bozar – Palais des Beaux Arts, Brussels (2024); Columbia University, New York (2022); CAMP, Prague (2022); Palazzo Grassi, Venice (2022); Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Copenhagen (2018); MMCA, Seoul (2018); MOMAK, Kyoto (2018); Princeton University, Princeton (2018); Fundação Centro Cultural de Belém, Lisbon (2017); Bloor Hot Docs Cinema, Toronto (2016).
Additionally, the film was featured in the Hot to Cold exhibition curated by Bjarke Ingels Group at the National Building Museum in Washington (2015).