In philosopher Martha Nussbaum’s theory, she believes everyone has the right to the central capabilities of life. One of the core capabilities is happiness. Happiness is different for everyone. For some it may be a new car, a vacation to Europe, or even a designer handbag. But for those whose lives are filled with financial instability, domestic abuse, and discrimination, happiness is the moments spent laughing, dancing in the kitchen, singing loud to the song on the radio, playing dress up, and putting on makeup. This is the principal lesson of happiness for Sandra in the film Herself, a 2021 feature film presenting the suffering and joy of Sandra’s life situation. Continue reading