'Hurt Humor, Hurts' Student Short Film

24, a Black female Uber driver with dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian. She uses humor as both a defense mechanism and a way to process her past. Beneath her sharp wit and confident exterior, she is navigating the trauma of her mother’s controversial past, which continues to affect her present relationships and ambitions. Throughout the film, she struggles to balance her comedic aspirations with the weight of her personal history, ultimately coming to terms with the power of her own voice.

Dee’s mother, a woman with a controversial past and a history of multiple relationships. Charismatic and unapologetic, she is fiercely independent and lives life on her own terms. Her past choices and relationships have left a lasting impact on Dee, shaping her daughter's way of coping.

A therapist with a calm, measured demeanor, shaped by his profession and life experiences. His divorce has had a lasting impact on Dee, and while he remains a guiding presence in her life, there is a sense of emotional distance, whether intentional or unintentional. He speaks with patience and warmth, always careful with his words, knowing how deeply they affect his daughter. His tone is gentle, reflective, and sometimes tinged with quiet regret or unspoken concern.

A rising local comedian known for his sharp humor and charm. Confident yet deeply curious, he’s drawn to Dee’s enigmatic nature and seeks to know her beyond surface-level banter. Unaware of her past trauma, he makes her day.

An uber passenger with his girlfriend. He doesn't know she has an interesting past that is connected with the uber driver.