Joe Colucci

A young potter’s life devolves into chaos as he loses function of his body while being haunted by the physical manifestation of his childhood trauma.

A world-famous black celebrity is detained at a mysterious psychiatric facility following his erratic behavior and political activism.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY follows Craig Smith, a young man grappling with trauma and grief - embodied in the form of a red backpack. Despite his efforts to rid himself of his hurt, the backpack keeps reappearing in his life. But when an advertisement for Hertz Pawn Emporium, a shop that buys trauma, comes on his TV, he finds a possible solution to forget it all. As he navigates his memories and emotions, Craig's journey culminates in a surprising confrontation that leads to a mix of release and acceptance, revealing the complexities of healing and letting go.