Joy Hopwood's 'Her Last Laugh' Heads to Busan Market via Cappu Films

Hong Kong-based Cappu Films has taken worldwide sales rights outside Australia and New Zealand for "Her Last Laugh," Joy Hopwood's Australian dramedy starring Peter Thurnwald ("XO, Kitty") and Ana Thu Nguyen ("Mortal Kombat II"). The finished film screens for buyers this week at the Busan International Film Festival's Asian Contents & Film Market.

Hopwood wrote, directed and produced the film through her company Joy House Productions. Tiana Hogben, Kya Stewart, Lyanna Kea, Tony Goh and Australia's John Waters round out the cast.

What is the film about?

The story centers on Willow and Annika Lim, Chinese Australian sisters who inherit their late mother's casting agency with a condition attached. Unless the business turns a profit within 12 months, it passes to their estranged uncle. Clients walk out and a competitor puts the agency's standing at risk, forcing the siblings to scramble to save both their income and their mother's legacy.

Willow, a one-time teen star now working as a casting assistant, carries most of the strain. Annika parks her own plans to pitch in. A budding romance and a set of family diaries the sisters uncover push the pair to rethink their inheritance and what is worth holding onto.

What did the filmmakers say?

"We are delighted to be represented by Cappu Films and excited about the opportunity to bring 'Her Last Laugh' to international audiences through mainstream streaming platforms, following our Australian theatrical release in November," Hopwood said.

"As an independent Australian filmmaker, I believe it is important to share culturally diverse stories that resonate across borders. Our cast and crew have poured their hearts into this film, and we hope audiences around the world will connect with its humor, heart and celebration of cultural diversity. We are proud to be bringing our 6th Asian Australian story to the global screen," she added.

Janice Woo of Cappu Films said: "Joy brings humor and warmth to a story about two sisters finding their own way while preserving their mother's legacy. We look forward to introducing the film to buyers in Busan and working with Joy to reach audiences internationally."

Where does the film sit in Hopwood's career?

The film extends Hopwood's run of stories about relationships and Chinese Australian life. Her earlier features include "It's Our Time," "The Gift That Gives," "Get a Life Alright," "Rhapsody of Love" and "The Script of Life." "Her Last Laugh" is her sixth Asian Australian story to reach the screen.

What else is Cappu selling at Busan?

The company is using the market to meet distributors and other possible partners on the title, with available rights to be confirmed on a per-territory basis. Its Busan lineup includes:

• "Fox Hunt," toplined by Tony Leung Chiu-wai
• Shan Jiang's Tribeca title "Ephemera"
• "Operation Doolittle," a WWII spy series running nine hourlong episodes
• Erica Xia-Hou's Slamdance selection "Banr"
• Martial arts film "Lion Fist"
• "Zombie Plane," an action comedy with Vanilla Ice, Sophie Monk and Chuck Norris

With an Australian theatrical release set for November and streaming deals now on the table, the Busan market will determine how far the Lim sisters' story travels beyond their home territory.