Join MCA Denver at the Holiday Theater for a special screening of Finding the Funny, a heartfelt and humorous short film exploring grief, identity, and the power of storytelling through comedy. The film follows an Indigenous comedian struggling to find new material as he grapples with personal loss, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and connection. Don’t miss this engaging and thought-provoking event, where film, comedy, and storytelling intersect.
The evening will feature a 20-minute screening followed by a 30-minute panel discussion with writer-director Gabriel Fermin and actor-comedian Joshua Emerson. The discussion will be moderated by CityCast Denver’s Paul Karolyi.
About the Film
An Indigenous comedian stuck in a creative rut encounters unexpected moments of inspiration within his community as he prepares for an important performance. This film blends reality and fiction by telling an authentic short story about the power of healing through storytelling and humor in the Indigenous community. This film uses real first-time actors and improvisation to create a truthful story.
Cast
Main Actor ‘Josh’: JOSHUA EMERSON
Uncle: SID WHITING
Cousin Daniel: RAFAEL MALDONADO BAD HAND
Nice White Lady: JILL COATS
Auntie: DAKOTA HOSKA
Street Photographer: JEFF STONIC
Improv Director: AJ CAMPLI
Camera Assistants: COLEMAN KORB & JILL PUCKETT
Lighting Technicians: JARROD SUMPTER & TYLER TREPOD
Sound Mixers: ANDREW SALOMONE, MALONE PARADO & MITCH WENIG
Colorist: BRIAN DE-HERRERA-SCHNERING
Written, Directed & Photographed by GABRIEL FERMIN
About the Panelists
Gabriel Fermin – Writer and Director of Finding the Funny
Gabriel Fermin is a cinematographer, and filmmaker specializing in documentary, narrative, and experimental storytelling. He has collaborated with Cannupa Hanska Luger on the New Myth series “Future Ancestral Technologies”, including the July 2025 cover for National Geographic, and his films have been exhibited at the Denver Art Museum, including Finding the Funny and Knowing You, Denver directed by Steven Yazzie. His work explores identity, culture, and human connection, blending memorable visuals with emotionally resonant narratives.
Joshua Emerson – Lead Actor, Comedian
Joshua is Diné (Navajo) comedian based in Denver. Named one ofthe “Five Artists to Watch in 2025” by Westword Magazine, Joshua was selected for the Mayors Award for Excellence in Arts & Culture in 2023. Joshua produces the Native American comedy showcase, “Bad Indian” at clubs and festivals across the country including Netflix is a Joke Fest and SF Sketchfest. His show “Dead Man Talking” was selected by the Gilded Balloon for their curated run of shows at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He lives at home with his partner, Rachel, and their pets, Lola, Joanna, and Nibbler.
Paul Karolyi – Moderator, Host of City Cast Denver
Paul Karolyi is the Senior Executive Producer and Co-host for CityCast Denver where he has overseen the production of over 1000 episodes of Denver-specific content.
MCA Members
Members get discounts to all MCA Denver programs and events! Discount code shared via member email. Not a member yet? Memberships start at just $5/month! Learn more here.
