WASHINGTON, DC—Expanding its work and presence in entertainment, AARP announces the launch of its first full-length film “Care to Laugh” through AARP Studios. The documentary film features Jesus Trejo, a rising star in the comedy world who is pursuing his dream of becoming a successful comedian while caring for his aging parents. “Care to Laugh” will make its world premiere as the closing night film of the Heartland International Film Festival in Indianapolis on Oct. 21.

“Care to Laugh” will continue to play in film festivals across the country throughout the rest of 2018. The film is scheduled to play in the Austin Film Festival Oct. 27 and 29 and will serve as the opening night film at the Chicago Comedy Film Festival Nov. 9. A screening will also take place at DOC NYC on Nov. 14 and 15. AARP plans to distribute the film wide in 2019.

AARP is committed to developing, producing, financing, and distributing compelling content that entertains and educates audiences while aligning with AARP’s social mission by bringing awareness of issues such as caregiving to a varied audience through its entertainment platforms and programs.

“AARP has long celebrated and supported movies with unique appeal to people age 50 and up. But our new focus is to embrace important films earlier in the process, working with production houses or producing films ourselves,” said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins. “Boomers and Gen Xers are big box-office patrons, so it’s natural for AARP to help bring them great, relevant films.”

AARP Studios officially launched in 2017 with the award winning “Dinner with Don,” a digital series starring the legendary Don Rickles and more than a dozen celebrity guests from Snoop Dogg, to Robert De Niro. The series was shot at some of Rickles' favorite Hollywood restaurants giving audiences an intimate look as he reflects on his career and the people and events that influenced his life.

“AARP Studios is all about creating compelling and entertaining content that connects with multi-generational audiences,” said Jeffrey Eagle, Vice President and Executive Producer, AARP Studios. “Filming Jesus’ journey as both a comedian and caregiver let us step into two worlds and explore the struggles and complexities of each. ‘Care to Laugh’ celebrates family and the power of laughter.”

In “Care to Laugh,” Trejo’s world is flipped upside down when his mother, Adelaida, undergoes emergency surgery to remove a brain tumor. Although most aspiring comedians build their careers on the road, Trejo juggles his responsibilities at home in Long Beach with open mics and auditions in the Los Angeles area, often driving more than two hours each way every day. An only child, Trejo becomes his parents’ sole caregiver and transforms adversity into comedy. When his set catches the eye of producers at “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” Trejo may have scored the big break he’s been banking on.

Born and raised in Long Beach, Calif., Trejo was recently named one of Variety’s Top 10 Comics to Watch 2017. A regular at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, Trejo often appears on Comedy Central’s Roast Battle, and can be seen on Adam Devine's House Party, Season 2 of Stand Up & Deliver (NuvoTV), Uproarious (Fuse) and as a recurring cast member on the sitcom Sullivan & Son (TBS). In 2016, Trejo was selected as one of the New Faces of Comedy for the prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal.

For more information about “Care to Laugh,” visit www.aarp.org/caretolaugh, www.facebook.com/caretolaugh and www.instagram.com/caretolaugh.

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About AARP Studios
AARP Studios is an award-winning in-house production team committed to telling stories about the passions, challenges and successes of people 50 and older.  AARP Studios produces rich and compelling videos that educate, entertain and inspire. They include viral videos, short documentaries, virtual reality and long-form television specials. AARP Studios distributes its content across multiple platforms including film, television, and digital and social media. To learn more, visit AARP Studios on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/aarp, AARP Studios on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AARP/videos, and AARP Studios online at videos.aarp.org. 

About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR INTERVIEWS CONTACT: Paola Torres, AARP, 202-434-2555, ptorres@aarp.org