Experiencing Interruptions?

Make 'Em Laugh

Seasoned comedian Sean Keating makes his way through a stand-up set recounting an abusive childhood at the hands of his father while continuing of that cycle within his own family, leading to his realization as to why he uses comedy to distract from his life outside the club.

Written and Directed by Max Celis, Chicago native and first generation American to Cuban immigrant parents. "Make 'Em Laugh" was completed while Celis was 20 years old in April of 2022.

  • Max Celis
    Director
    JUNK & Its Connection to What's Unknown
  • Max Celis
    Writer
  • Evan Sellas
    Writer
  • Max Celis
    Producer
  • Evan Sellas
    Producer
  • Isabella Siska
    Producer
  • Enzo Goodrich
    Producer
  • Landon Lacey
    Producer
  • Thanasi Zacharopulos
    Key Cast
    "Sean Keating"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Comedy
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 4, 2022
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.20:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Depaul University
Director Biography - Max Celis

Max Celis is a Cuban-American film director, producer, and screenwriter. Born in Chicago Illinois, Celis developed an affinity for filmmaking at a young age and continued his interest into his teenage years. Co-founding DaVinci Street Productions in 2020, Celis has made the progression into narrative short films and is known for his directing work on the film JUNK & Its Connection to What's Unknown (2021) and Diner (2020).

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Growing up in Chicago the International Film Festival has always been a staple of my moviegoing experience. Whether it be AMC River East or The Music Box some of my favorite theater memories come from screenings presented by The Chicago International Film Festival. In recent years i've had the privilege of finding a group of likeminded filmmakers that have helped me bring my ideas from the page to the screen. "Make 'Em Laugh" is a film that is birthed from my own experience as a creator and as a son, seeing it included in the CineYouth festival would be a huge step not only for myself but for the countless amount of people who made the film possible behind the scenes.