All Joking Aside

Inspired by her late father’s unrealized ambitions, Charlie Murray (Raylene Harewood) wants nothing more in life than to be a stand-up comic, and is equal parts thrilled and terrified by the fact that she’s finally old enough to get into a comedy club and try her material in front of paying customers. Like most first times, things don’t go well. Heckled off stage by a jaded, former comedian (Brian Markinson), Charlie strikes up a strange bond with her heckler - who soon becomes her mentor. The apprenticeship in the art of being funny for a living is heartfelt, challenging and above all, funny. (Cinequest Festival)