Chicago-based writer-director Larry Ziegelman is bringing his award-winning short film Grave Expectations to the East Coast, where it will continue its festival run with screenings at the FirstGlance Film Festival Philadelphia (May) and the New York City Independent Film Festival (June).
Fresh off its Los Angeles premiere at the L.A. Comedy Film Festival, and a World Premiere at the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema, where it took home the Indie Spirit Award, the rom-com has been charming audiences with its unexpected mix of heart, humor, and healing.
The short stars Dave Honigman as Jacob, who brings his wife Shira (played by Tiffany Bedwell) on an unusual 10th anniversary date: a late-night stroll through the cemetery where his childhood bully is buried. What begins as a confession of long-held trauma quickly transforms into a quirky, heartfelt night of catharsis, connection, and a dash of petty revenge. Watch the trailer below:
“With a title like Grave Expectations and a cemetery setting, people walk in thinking it’s a horror film,” says Ziegelman. “But what they get is something completely different—a nostalgic, emotional, and funny rom-com about love, secrets, and playground revenge.”
Co-written with Ziegelman’s longtime friend and former college roommate Jason Silberberg, the film’s flashbacks were inspired by the writers’ real-life experiences with childhood bullying. It’s also a true family affair behind the scenes: Ziegelman’s wife was the script supervisor, daughter Sadie worked in the art department, son Max played the older bully, and twin brother Terry handled the visual effects.
Shot on location at Chicago’s Bohemian National Cemetery and Franklin Fine Arts Center, and produced by John David Wolfe with cinematography by Kevin Otterness, Grave Expectations is a testament to indie filmmaking with heart.
“This film is about facing the ghosts of our past—but also about how love, laughter, and maybe even healing can show up in the strangest places,” Ziegelman adds. “We’re thrilled to share it with East Coast audiences next.”
The film makes its Brotherly Love debut at the Philadelphia FirstGlance Film Festival – May 16-18 2025.
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