Sometimes, the best way to process grief is to joke about it. Screenwriter Jocelyne O’Toole details this nonlinear journey of dealing with tragedy through comedy in the short film Funny/Not Funny. Taking inspiration from the aftermath of her mother’s passing, O’Toole crafts a personal story about one woman’s resistance and ultimate acceptance of her newfound loss. This passion project, directed by Michelle Leung, recently played at 2026 SOHO International Film Festival.

Smile Through the Pain

Aspiring stand up comic Rosie Richardson (Jocelyne O’Toole) eagerly takes to the stage, ready to perform her new material. What she doesn’t expect is a call from her mother’s hospice caretaker, informing Rosie that she has passed away. To make matters worse, Rosie receives this voicemail on speakerphone and has to process this life changing information in a room full of strangers. To say it sucks the air out of the room is an understatement.

The unfortunate timing of her mother’s passing is further amplified by the delivery of an unwanted gift. Rosie receives a package from her mom, sent before her death, that causes her to spiral even more. A Roomba-like vacuum now sits in Rosie’s house, a not-so-subtle gift from her mom from beyond the grave. Rosie convinces herself that once she gets rid of the package, her emotional baggage will disappear with it. So, with nothing left to lose, Rosie sets out to close this chapter of her life while smiling through the pain.

A Personal Project Stemming from Heartbreak

Funny/Not Funny is a true dark comedy. The humor comes from an uncomfortable situation and not the traditional lighthearted fare. It’s important to understand Jocelyne O’Toole’s roles in the film to fully embrace the importance of it. Not only is she the lead actress, but her talents extend beyond the lens as the screenwriter. She dedicates the film to her mother and friend Shawn Regruto, whose encouragement and guidance helped shape Funny/Not Funny into the authentic and personal story we have today.

Director’s Statement

“This film’s droll and dark sense of humor kicks in right away when, in the oddest of situations, Rosie discovers that she’s lost her mother. The weirdness may continue forever unless… It’s a situation of grief but from a very different point of view… We went with a filmic color grade, inspired in no small part by the dark humor of Scorsese’s film The King of Comedy. And by dropping our female protagonist into in the male dominated world of stand-up comedy, we are accentuating perseverance when the odds are stacked against one.” – Michelle Leung

Takeaway

A comedic love letter to navigating the grief process, Funny/Not Funny is a sensitive and heartwarming watch.