Confessions of an Award-Winning Filmmaker: Roko Belic on a Quest for Joy and Purpose

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Roko Belic joins Confessions at the Cabana to share the extraordinary stories behind his life’s work — and his quest to understand what truly makes us happy. From his Academy Award–nominated debut Genghis Blues to his global documentary Happy (now streaming on Amazon), Roko takes us on an emotional journey through storytelling, joy, and the human spirit. In one of the most vulnerable conversations we’ve had at the Cabana, Roko opens up about the pain of losing his best friend at just 22, and how that loss shaped his understanding of life, purpose, and connection. He also shares the powerful story of his father’s brave attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean — a journey that ended in tragedy but revealed the depth of human courage and love. This is a raw, inspiring, and deeply human episode about resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of meaning.