Die Laughing

Grandpa is dying. His granddaughter Emma learns that he only wants one thing before he dies: To hear a joke. Unfortunately, in this future society, jokes have been banned because they might insult some people. Emma vows to make her Grandpa's last wish come true. Unfortunately, her actions bring her to the attention of Director Tomlinson, who holds vast powers to enforce all laws. She is brought in for questioning. Fortunately, she is rescued by three men who belong to the SPJ - the Society for the Preservation of Jokes. A deceased member of the SPJ, when jokes were outlawed, was able to gather them all together in a "capture closet" in a long-closed bar. Emma enters the closet, hoping for one joke. The jokes, however, decide to inhabit Emma and gain new life. At the hospital, Grandpa has lapsed into a coma. Emma and the three SPJ members arrive, closely followed by Tomlinson. As he orders everyone arrested, the jokes leave Emma and inhabit him - making him laugh hysterically and uncontrollably. They won't leave him until they're allowed to be a part of society again. Two weeks later, the Act which resulted in the banning of jokes is repealed. Grandpa laughs at the foolishness of it and passes. Emma, though heartbroken, is glad he got his wish. **Semi-finalist in the Creative Screenwriting 2020 Unique Voices Screenplay Competition. **Semi-finalist in the 2025 New York International Screenplay Awards.