Some stories are born from nostalgia, others from grief. Happy Endings Funeral Parlor channels both, wrapping heartache and hilarity into a buddy comedy with surprising emotional depth. As an official selection at the 2025 Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF), the film is part love letter to VHS-era storytelling, part exploration of what it means to grieve, grow, and laugh in the face of life’s inevitable end.
Set in rural Iowa, the film follows two brothers struggling to keep their eccentric uncle’s funeral parlor from going under. What begins as a quirky business venture quickly unravels into chaos, self-discovery, and moments of genuine tenderness. It’s messy, human, and a little dark—but so is life. “It’s a buddy comedy with a pulse,” producer and co-writer Zachary Roozen says. “The kind of film where you can laugh through the lump in your throat.”
The inspiration he shares came from personal loss. His co-writer had recently lost a close friend, and the project emerged to process the weight of that grief. “Funeral Parlor became a space where we could laugh at the unthinkable,” Roozen says. “Something is healing about leaning into discomfort and finding its absurdity.”
While the film touches on mortality, it never lingers too long in despair. Instead, it dives headfirst into the chaos of life and finds room to play. “We wanted to serve the story, not predict how anyone would feel,” Roozen explains. “If you build the world honestly, the audience will find their way through it.”
That world is built with an intentional mix of offbeat humor and sincere emotion. The film honors the traditions of classic buddy comedies while adding unexpected texture and thematic complexity. “What makes this film special is its willingness to hold contradictions,” Roozen says. “You can roll your eyes at these characters and still root for them. You can laugh while being moved. That’s the kind of story I love telling.”
His story began in rural Minnesota, where childhood summers were spent creating home movies with a Sony camcorder and cousins as cast and crew. That sense of wonder and scrappy creativity never left him. After earning his BFA from the University of Southern California, Roozen explored multiple corners of the industry—from casting to editing to story development—before stepping into his role as a producer and director. “Filmmaking is a tough path, but for those who burn for it, there is no other road.”
With a tight budget and an even tighter schedule, Happy Endings Funeral Parlor was brought to life by a team that thrived under pressure. “Independent filmmaking is walking a tightrope with no safety net,” Roozen says. “There’s never enough time or money. But there is always vision and the will to see it through.” The cast, mostly of trusted friends and collaborators, arrived on set fully formed and ready to play. That chemistry was key to creating the film’s lived-in authenticity.
A standout among the cast is veteran actor Corbin Bernsen, who plays Uncle Nicky with a combination of restraint and controlled chaos. “From the moment he stepped on set, we knew we were in good hands,” Roozen says. “He brought the character to life in a way that elevated every scene. There’s a reason he’s a legend.”
Behind the scenes, Roozen emphasized collaboration. The crew, primarily sourced from the Midwest, brought grit, talent, and a sense of community that shaped the spirit of the production. “We wanted to empower local talent and give people their shot at leading. That trust paid off in every frame,” he says.
The connection to the Midwest isn’t just behind the camera. Much of the film was shot in Clear Lake, Iowa, a town whose natural charm and cinematic appeal made it the perfect setting. Among the most iconic locations featured is the historic Surf Ballroom, where Buddy Holly performed his final concert. With permission to use his song “Peggy Sue,” the film carries a thread of musical and emotional resonance that ties the past to the present.
That regional authenticity is why JDIFF was always top of mind for the filmmakers. “We circled Julien Dubuque from day one,” Roozen says. “With so many of our cast and crew being local, it mattered that they’d have the chance to see it on the big screen.” For many, the JDIFF premiere will be their first time seeing the finished film.
Being part of the JDIFF lineup is a milestone that means more than just screening. “It’s a chance to connect with people who value storytelling that’s both bold and honest,” says Roozen. “This festival has built a reputation for spotlighting original voices and creating a space where art breathes.”
What does he hope audiences take away from the film? “If someone leaves the theater smiling, we’ve done our job,” he says. “We want them to laugh. To feel. Maybe even to call someone they’ve lost touch with.”
Follow the film on Instagram at @funeralparlormovie and Zachary Roozen at @ZacharyRoozen. More details are on IMDb.
