Chicago Indie ‘Grave Expectations’ A Horror Film? Think Again – This Rom-Com Digs Deeper
Writer-director Larry Ziegelman’s latest short film, Grave Expectations, recently had its world premiere at the Idyllwild International Film Festival, where it won the Indie Spirit Award. The film is fresh off its Los Angeles Premiere at the L.A. Comedy Film Festival, which will be followed by screenings at the FirstGlance Philadelphia 28th Annual Film Festival in May and the New York City Independent Film Festival in June.
“With a title like Grave Expectations and a cemetery setting, you might expect a horror film,” says Ziegelman. “But what we’ve actually created is a fun, heartfelt rom-com that blends nostalgia, catharsis, and humor in a way that’s truly charming.”
Here is your first look at the film…
The film stars Dave Honigman as Jacob, a man who has kept lifelong secret from his wife, Shira (Tiffany Bedwell), until their 10th anniversary, when he takes her on an unconventional date—a nighttime stroll through the cemetery where his childhood bully is recently buried. What starts as a confession of past pain, soon turns into an unexpected opportunity for catharsis, connection, and, of course, childish revenge.
Co-written by former college roommates, Larry Ziegelman and Jason Silberberg, the film’s bullying flashback scenes are inspired directly from their real-life childhood experiences. But the personal connection doesn’t stop there—Ziegelman brought his whole family into the production. His wife served as script supervisor, his daughter, Sadie, worked in the art department, his son, Max, played the ‘older bully’, and his twin brother, Terry, handled VFX, making Grave Expectations a truly collaborative family effort.
The film was produced by John David Wolfe, lensed by Kevin Otterness and shot at the Bohemian National Cemetery and the Franklin Fine Arts Center.
“This film is about facing the past, but it’s also about love, growth and the unexpected places where healing happens,” says Ziegelman. “We can’t wait to share it with audiences everywhere.”
For the Philadelphia FirstGlance Film Festival, click here.
More details to come. Be sure to check back here at SCREEN Magazine for all the latest news from the independent filmmaking community. You can also click right here to subscribe to our weekly email newsletter.
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