Jessica Sanders’ I WANT TO FEEL FUN is a chaotic, charming ode to the modern search for love, connection, and—of course—Niki Minaj. Infused with the spirit of Scorsese’s After Hours, this punchy, character-driven comedy captures one night in the life of Esther (played with perfect neurotic energy by Esther Povitsky), as she stumbles through awkward encounters and emotional detours on her mission to reach a Nicki Minaj concert.
The film’s improvised feel lends it a raw, spontaneous energy that balances the ridiculous and the real. Sanders’ Oscar-nominated documentary roots come through in the authenticity of the performances—especially between Povitsky and Simon Rex as her confusingly undefined maybe-relationship. Avi Rothman and Vivian Bang round out the ensemble with grounded humor and sharp chemistry.
Visually stylish but never overdone, the short plays like a millennial mini-odyssey, one that’s equally about pop culture worship as it is about self-worth and emotional connection. With Sanders at the helm, the film never loses its pulse—even in its quietest, most awkward moments, it radiates vulnerability and fun.
The film’s ensemble cast brings an impressive comedic pedigree to the screen. Esther Povitsky (Dollface, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Hot for My Name) leads with her signature blend of vulnerability and deadpan humor, making Esther’s spiraling night both relatable and hilarious. Simon Rex, fresh off his Independent Spirit Award win for Red Rocket, delivers another standout performance as Esther’s confusingly casual love interest. Avi Rothman (Palm Royale, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) plays her well-meaning but clueless brother, while Vivian Bang (White Rabbit, Always Be My Maybe) adds sharp comic timing as his longtime girlfriend. Together, their chemistry fuels the film’s improvisational spirit and emotional authenticity, grounding its surreal premise in genuine human awkwardness.
Co-writer and co-producer Avi Rothman brings his signature wit and grounded storytelling to I WANT TO FEEL FUN, further strengthening his creative partnership with Jessica Sanders. A longtime collaborator, Rothman previously teamed up with Sanders on the award-winning short Bunion, where he also starred. His contributions behind the scenes help shape the script’s blend of sharp dialogue and organic, character-driven humor, lending the short its improvisational edge and emotional depth.
As a female producer carving her path in a competitive industry, Patricia Seely continues to champion bold, character-driven storytelling. Her work on I WANT TO FEEL FUN reflects a commitment to supporting diverse voices and innovative filmmaking. A Fellow of the inaugural WIF x Google Shorts Lab, Seely has quickly established herself as a creative force, with credits including the Tribeca-premiered short The Cocktail Party and the coming-of-age feature Liza, Liza, Skies Are Grey.
A standout from the 13,000+ submissions to Tribeca, I WANT TO FEEL FUN feels like exactly that: a spontaneous, heartfelt, and slightly chaotic night out you didn’t know you needed.
I WANT TO FEEL FUN can be seen at Tribeca Film Festival on Friday June 13 – 6:00 PM at the Shorts Theater at Spring Studios and Saturday June 14 – 2:30 PM at the AMC 19th St. East 6
5/5
Sally Murphy for We Love Short Movies
