14A - Substance Absuse & Mature Subject Matter.

Bill (writer-director Paul Gordon) is an out of work poetry major who, although completely broke, wants to start an all-organic vegetarian food stand on the pathway of a busy park in Austin, Texas.

Converting an old hot dog stand and trying to figure out how to make a go at his new business with no experience or money, Bill manages to slowly acquire a dynamic group of buddies to hang around his stand. Aside from the daily banter and freeloading, these new friends also become Bill’s major motivation, keeping him going day-to-day and providing new “business-minded” ideas. For a “happy poet,” as the film’s title puts it, Bill has an extremely deadpan demeanour, and watching him sell passers-by on the merits of eggless egg salad is brilliant.

THE HAPPY POET is a witty and fun American Indie. Gordon has put together a clever and highly entertaining film full of dry humor and a perfect cast, including Chris Doubek (also starring in 2010 CIFF film LOVERS OF HATE).

BL