Standing Up

How far would you go for a laugh?

"Standing Up" is a feature-length documentary following three radically different, aspiring New York comedians. David Finklestein, an ultra-Orthodox Jew, is caught between two irreconcilable worlds and must perform in secret. Sara Parks, a young transplant from Texas, endures degrading work and even homelessness pursuing her dream. Raafat Toss, a deeply unsatisfied personal injury lawyer and father-to-be, searches for creative fulfillment and struggles to translate his hilarious personality to the stage.


about the film

Three unlikely aspiring comedians risk everything to find their voices on the cutthroat New York stand-up scene.

David Finklestein is an ultra-Orthodox Jew from a secluded Brooklyn sect. Although he risks expulsion from his community with every performance, comedy is David’s only way of coping with his crippling anxiety. Sara Parks moved to New York to become a comic star, but is barely scraping by with menial jobs. On the verge of being homeless, Sara is under incredible pressure to break into comedy before it breaks her. Raafat Toss is a successful personal injury lawyer whose Egyptian immigrant parents discouraged him from pursuing stand-up. Now, bored with his career, he's finally ready to go after his passion. As their love of comedy is tested again and again, each must ultimately decide just how far they're willing to go - and how much they're willing to sacrifice - for a laugh. 

 
 

233 Broadway Suite 1001, New York, NY 10279  | © 2014-2019 Lucky 8 TV, LLC. All rights reserved