When confronted with the life-changing news that she had cancer, filmmaker Traven Rice decided to turn tragedy into dark comedy. The result is Lay Lefty Down, a charming short film about facing difficulty with a smile. As the co-writer/director, Rice embraces the discomfort that usually surrounds a cancer diagnosis and makes it ok to laugh at the circumstances. Lay Lefty Down is a heartwarming watch that aims to inspire people to face personal challenges with a sense of humor.

Bye Bye, Boobie

Abby (Alexandra Seal), a middle-aged woman, vapes in her car as she works up the nerve to go inside her Aunt Eudora’s (Tovah Feldshuh) house. Little does she know that she is walking into a surprise party celebrating her recent mastectomy. A “Boob Funeral,” Aunt Eudora calls it, as Abby stares at the unexpected party guests in disbelief. The party favors don’t disappoint either. Boob cupcakes and cookies line the tables, as do pizzas with pepperoni nipples. This celebration of life for “Lefty,” aka her left boob, has everyone reminiscing about her former physical asset, including her old college roommate and estranged husband.

Horrified, Abby tries her best to avoid participating in the mock funeral; however, Aunt Eudora eventually finds her. In a moment of vulnerability between them, Aunt Eudora opens up about her own previous relationship with cancer. She explains that she, too, had breast cancer and a double mastectomy. This gives Abby the courage to face her fears and tell her story. In doing so, she also acknowledges the cultural taboos about breast cancer that surround her.

Using Humor to Face Life’s Challenges

For a film about reconciling with cancer, Lay Lefty Down is a hoot. A real gem of an indie comedy, Traven Rice portrays serious subject matter in an authentic and easily digestible way. The performances are the anchors of the film; both Alexandra Seal and Tovah Feldshuh are phenomenal. They have the presence of big-screen talent, which catapults the film as a whole. Their comedic timing is spot on, and their ability to transition into a deeper emotional state is quite effective.

Director’s Statement

“This is a story about the importance of talking about hard things, and especially laughing about hard things… I found going through the process of breast cancer treatment to be an isolating and scary experience. Quickly, I learned it wasn’t a topic people felt comfortable talking about or even asking me about, even though it’s known as one of the more common types of cancer to be diagnosed with. I believe laughter leads to healing. So one of the first things I did after diagnosis was ask for jokes because if you can’t laugh… (you’d stab your eyes out).”

Takeaway

A perfect blend of humor and heart, Lay Lefty Down is a great achievement by all involved. The film makes its World Premiere at the 2026 Oxford Film Festival.