SYNOPSIS

When the American outdoor industry roared to life in the 1960s and 70s, small shops like Rocky Mountain Outfitter (RMO) began popping up from coast to coast. These stores not only provided a critical economic function to the infant industry, but also became hubs for growing communities of outdoor enthusiasts. In the ensuing years, small mountain shops became the de facto culture-bearers for a broader outdoor movement by creating events, providing expertise, and instilling values into the next generation of climbers, skiers, and mountaineers.

In recent years, the existence of these shops has come under threat from a rapidly evolving industry that some would say has lost its way. Online storefronts, direct-to-consumer sales, and corporate consolidation has made operating these cultural lifelines increasingly difficult, causing dozens to close.

With the growing popularity of the outdoor lifestyle in America, we need more places like RMO, not less; places that prioritize people over profits, connect generations, and teach the simple ethic: life is short, do what makes you happy.

The story of RMO is told by its founder–Don Scharfe, a 72-year-old hippie-turned-businessman, and Jandy Cox, Don’s 54-year-old protege, and current RMO owner. Their passion, kindness, and character is evident at all points during the film, depicting the beauty of a life lived in pursuit of one’s joy.

Happy Place is not a doom-and-gloom piece. On the contrary, it’s full of warmth, empathy, and nostalgia. It’s meant to shepherd viewers towards the core values it preaches, and above all else, compel us to do what we love, with the people we love, in the places we love.