🎬 Sign up for a special Virtual Sneak Preview of The Jollytologist®
You’re invited to a register for a special virtual sneak preview of The Jollytologist®, featuring the work in progress film (just under 30 minutes), shared with a select audience before its wider release. Sign up to receive a link to view the film.
This is a two-part virtual experience:
1️⃣ Part One: Watch the Film Online
📺 Available March 1–31
After registering, you will receive a private link and password to stream the full film at your convenience.
The link will remain active through March 28, so you can watch anytime before the live Q&A.
✨ Please be sure to watch the film ahead of the Zoom event. The film will not be screened during the live Q&A.
2️⃣ Part Two: Live Virtual Q&A on Zoom
💬 Saturday, March 28
🕐 1:00 PM PT | 2:00 PM MT | 3:00 PM CT | 4:00 PM ET
Join Allen Klein and filmmaker Sky Bergman for a live conversation via Zoom about the making of the film, the power of humor, and what’s ahead. Bring your questions! You will receive the Zoom link upon registration. The link will become active 30 minutes prior to the event start time.
Please note: The March 28 event is a conversation and Q&A only.
Join us in making this film a reality.
As The Jollytologist® heads into film festivals and prepares for an upcoming PBS broadcast, your support truly matters. The virtual screening and Q&A are free to attend, but donations are deeply appreciated and help us bring the film to even wider audiences.
Thank you for being part of this early and meaningful moment in the film’s journey.
—Allen
Support the making of The Jollytologist®.
If it’s $25 or $2,500, every bit helps.
If you prefer your donation be tax-deductible, please click here.
In a world often overshadowed by hardship, Allen Klein—a self-proclaimed "Jollytologist®" — shows how humor, laughter, and positivity can transform lives, even in the face of adversity.
Why This Film Matters
The Jollytologist® reminds us that laughter isn’t just a reaction—it’s a powerful tool for hope and healing.
This film is more than a portrait of one man’s life—it’s a call to rediscover joy in the most unexpected places. Allen Klein has spent decades helping people cope with loss, illness, and adversity through humor. His message is both timely and timeless: even in our darkest hours, we can find light through humor and laughter.
The Jollytologist® celebrates the human spirit and shows how small moments of positivity and humor—what Allen calls “mini-miracles”—can transform our lives. Whether you’re facing personal challenges or just looking for a smile, this film offers inspiration, wisdom, and joy.
Allen, putting on the ritz at age 5
Meet Allen Klein
Born and raised in the Bronx, Allen Klein has spent a lifetime helping people find humor in life’s most difficult moments. After losing his wife when she was 34 to a rare liver disease, Allen realized that humor had been one of their most powerful coping tools—and he’s been sharing that insight with the world ever since.
A former scenic designer for CBS television in New York (including the Captain Kangaroo Show), Allen swapped whimsical sets for uplifting stories. He went on to earn a master’s degree in human development with a focus on therapeutic humor, and became the world’s first “Jollytologist®”—yes, it’s a real title, and yes, he lives up to it.
He’s authored over 30 books, including The Healing Power of Humor, The Courage to Laugh, Embracing Life After Loss and The AWE Factor. His work has been translated into 11 languages, and he’s brought his message of healing and hilarity to audiences across the globe—from corporate boardrooms to hospice centers.
Because sometimes the power of humor and laughter is the best medicine.
Our Creative Crew
SKY BERGMAN
FILMMAKER
The filmmaking is being led by Sky Bergman, a nationally broadcast PBS filmmaker whose work has touched the lives of millions. Her film Lives Well Lived, currently airing on PBS, celebrates the wisdom of older adults from 75-100. Her latest documentary, The Mochi Movie includes George Takei, perhaps best known for his role in Star Trek.
Sky creates films that connect, inspire, and celebrate the richness of the human experience. At the heart of every film is a belief in the impact of shared stories to foster empathy, understanding, and a more connected world.
To see more of Sky’s work, you can visit her website.
JAIME HEINTZ
EDITOR
Jaime Ryan Heintz is a film and television writer, producer, director, cinematographer and editor. His credits include the Emmy Award-winning documentary series Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman and the independent feature film Betty I Am. Recently, he worked with Apple for several years developing new technology for the entertainment industry.
He currently runs a weekly YouTube channel devoted to film history and analysis called Rental Report Review. He holds a BFA in film production from California State University Long Beach. He lives in Pasadena, CA.
The Jollytologist® is officially in full production! We're aiming for a film festival premiere in May 2026 and can’t wait to share the journey with our community. Want to be the first to hear exclusive updates? Subscribe below and stay in the loop!