CIFF23: Haroula Rose & Coby Goss on ‘All Happy Families’

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CHICAGO – The City of Neighborhoods is Chicago, and director/co-writer Haroula Rose (with co-writer Coby Goss) has constructed a modern issue “dramedy” set there entitled “All Happy Families,” which has its World Premiere at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival on October 12th, 2023. For tickets and info, click FAMILIES.

This comic drama involves a dysfunctional whose youngest son Graham (Josh Radnor), an eternally aspiring actor in Chicago who’s stuck in a funk and living in his family’s crumbling two-flat. When an old college crush (Chandra Russel) comes looking to rent the first floor apartment, while at the same time as his TV star brother Will’s (Rob Huebel) returns home, Graham is faced with a problematic dilemma and returning parents (Colleen Camp and John Ashton) in the mix.

’All Happy Families,’ by Haroula Rose (left inset) with Coby Goss (right), at the 59th CIFF
Photo credit: Chicago International Film Festival

Haroula Rose is a writer/director/producer and notable musician whose creative resume includes TV/Film (“Lost & Found,” “Once Upon a River”) and soundtrack (“Brand New Start” from “Still Alice”). “All Happy Families” is her second feature. Co-writer Coburn “Coby” Goss is an actor who is a veteran of the Chicago theater, including Steppenwolf and Goodman, along with roles in “Man of Steel” and “Empire.” He made his writer debut in the short film “Phyl” (2020). “All Happy Families” is his first feature as co-writer.

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Haroula Rose and Coby Goss talk the issues of “All Happy Families” …

TONIGHT (10/11/23)! The 59th CIFF Block Party Celebration on Opening Night, CLICK HERE for details and a guide to the Festival.

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor and Film Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com