An Australian filmmaker continues to champion diverse stories, independent cinema and women on screen
After more than a decade of making films outside the traditional studio system, Australian writer, director and producer Joy Hopwood returns with Her Last Laugh, her latest independent feature film and seventh feature as a filmmaker.
The Australian comedy drama will have a limited theatrical release in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne from 7 November 2026, with special Q&A screenings featuring Hopwood and members of the cast.
Written, directed and produced by Hopwood through Joy House Productions, Her Last Laugh centres on sisters Willow and Annika Lim, who inherit their late mother's casting agency and are given one year to make the struggling business profitable before it passes to their estranged uncle.
What begins as a battle to save a family business becomes a story about family, love, loss, estrangement, reconciliation and finding a way forward.
The film features Peter Thurnwald, known internationally for XO, Kitty and also recognised for his role in Bump, alongside Ana Thu Nguyen, Tiana Hogben, Kya Stewart, Lyanna Kea, Tony Goh and John Waters.
Making films outside the traditional system
For Hopwood, Her Last Laugh represents another chapter in a filmmaking career built through independent production.
Rather than waiting for the traditional studio system to make space for the stories she wants to tell, Hopwood has continued to develop, finance and produce her own work through Joy House Productions.
The result is a body of films that explores Australian life through stories of family, relationships, culture and diversity.
“I've always believed that Australian stories don't have to fit into one particular box,” says Hopwood.
“I want to make films that audiences can connect with while also reflecting the diversity of the Australia we live in. Her Last Laugh is a funny, warm and emotional story about family, but underneath that it is also about people finding their way back to each other.”
A continuing creative collaboration
The film also marks another collaboration between Hopwood, Peter Thurnwald and Screen Vixen's founder, Leonie Marsh.
Thurnwald previously starred in Hopwood's feature It's Our Time and has returned for Her Last Laugh, this time taking on the additional role of Executive Producer.
“I love working with Joy. She brings such great energy to set and gets stuff done! It’s also wonderful to be working with other Australian Asian cast and crew. There’s not a lot of us around, so a project that can bring us together is always welcomed!”
“Her Last Laugh is a beautiful film about perseverance and forgiveness. I think everyone can relate to the story in some way, and it’s told in such a real and authentic way. Ana does a great job balancing the stakes and romance, and the supporting case is funny and heartfelt!” Peter Thurnwald
Leonie Marsh, Executive Producer, Her Last Laugh and Founder, Screen Vixens -
“Australia’s growing Chinese diaspora deserves to see more of its stories on screen and Joy is answering that demand with a joyful, contemporary rom-com that puts Chinese-Australian characters and experiences at its heart.”
For Thurnwald, the project offered the opportunity to become involved in the filmmaking process beyond acting.
Diverse stories at the centre
Her Last Laugh continues Hopwood's longstanding interest in creating opportunities for diverse Australian performers and telling stories that reflect contemporary Australia.
The film places Asian Australian women at the centre of its story while bringing together an ensemble cast from different backgrounds.
For Hopwood, representation is not simply about who appears on screen, but about creating stories in which audiences can recognise their own families, relationships and experiences.
The film also explores dementia, grief and reconciliation through its family storyline, balancing those themes with comedy and romance.
Australian theatrical release
Her Last Laugh will be released in selected Australian cinemas from 7 November 2026, with special Q&A screenings in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
Brisbane
Saturday 7 November
Reading Cinemas
Q&A with Peter Thurnwald, Christina Kim and Joy Hopwood
Melbourne
Sunday 8 November
Lido Cinemas
Q&A with John Waters, Tiana Hogben, Lyanna Kea and Joy Hopwood
Sydney
Tuesday 10 November
Cremorne Orpheum
Q&A with Peter Thurnwald, Ana Thu Nguyen, Kya Stewart, Tony Goh and Joy Hopwood
Her Last Laugh is written, directed and produced by Joy Hopwood through Joy House Productions.