To better understand the essence of happiness, filmmaker Nathalie Hébert speaks with Lucien Comeau, a musician and “philosopher of the everyday” who lives in Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick. This simple, informal portrait nonetheless moves beyond conventional, preconceived ideas to offer profound insights into the meaning of life and success.

What is the recipe for happiness? Are its ingredients universal? In this touching documentary portrait, director Nathalie Hébert introduces us to the delightful Lucien Comeau, a “philosopher of the everyday” who lives in Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick.

Passionate about nature, a musician and a believer in voluntary simplicity, Lucien shares his unique vision of the world with generosity, authenticity and humour. Clam-digging, gardening, family get-togethers, boating on the river, camping in the woods… he invites us to share in all the pleasures of his day-to-day life, both great and small. Some moments inspire songs, others prompt reflection on the meaning of life beyond society’s preconceived notions of money and success. Under the empathetic gaze of the filmmaker, this endearing man, a nonconformist and an outsider, becomes our guide on the path to our own definition of happiness.

Shot in just four days, Le bonheur de Lucien (Lucien’s Happiness) is Nathalie Hébert’s first short film. It was produced by Christine Aubé at the Canadian Francophonie Studio – Acadie, as part of the 10th Tremplin Program competition, organized by the NFB in collaboration with Radio-Canada.

Born in Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick, in 1954, Lucien Comeau is a working man, a volunteer, and a philosopher of the everyday. At the age of 30 he began to create songs about his day-to-day life, accompanying himself on guitar. Passionate about nature, and a believer in voluntary simplicity, he has released three record albums: En montant la rivière (Canoeing Upriver), L’écriture de la nature (The Writing of Nature), and Ce qu’on a dans le cœur (What You Have in Your Heart). He does not consider himself an artist, but he enjoys bringing people together for an evening meal and an intimate musical performance, to share his happiness with the community.