Joseph Neibich

What inspired you to create Feeling Blessed, and how did the original idea for the story come to you?

My 2025 comedy short film, Feeling Blessed, was inspired by the modern, relatable absurdities of social media culture and technology. The plot follows an ordinary man who must literally “summon higher powers” just to defeat a frustrating browser CAPTCHA puzzle, all so he can update his social media status and attempt to “rise above mediocrity”.

The concept plays heavily on the contrast between existential frustration and the superficial validation of trying to appear “blessed” online. It blends Nybyk’s background in stand-up comedy, sharp wit, and purposeful storytelling. The film went on to achieve an Arizona premiere at Film Fest Tucson and showcased at two Academy Award qualifying events including HollyShorts and Flickers Rhode Island.

The film mixes comedy, faith, and modern social media culture in a very unique way. Why did you choose to tell the story through that combination?

The film introduces faith not as a traditional sermon, but as the ultimate, dramatic escalation to a mundane problem. Summoning “higher powers” to defeat a browser security check creates a sharp, funny contrast. It pokes gentle fun at how people use faith and prayer for superficial, self-serving internet goals rather than deeper spiritual fulfillment.

Comedy allows filmmakers to critique society without being overly preachy. By making the situation ridiculous, he invites the audience to laugh at the character’s frustration while quietly reflecting on how dependent we have all become on technology and online approval

Feeling Blessed started as a tiny independent film, yet it ended up being selected at more than 40 film festivals. At what moment did you realize the project was connecting with audiences in a much bigger way than you expected?

It was after one festival showcase after the next. The film really seemed to connect with people at a deep level

One of the screenings happened at the famous Chinese Theatre in Hollywood the night before the Oscars. Can you describe what that moment felt like for you?

For me and my creative team, screening Feeling Blessed at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on the night before the Oscars was a massive milestone. In the independent filmmaking world, a moment like that carries a distinct mix of energy, validation, and excitement:

Peak Hollywood Energy: The night before the Academy Awards is the most buzzed-about weekend of the year in Los Angeles. The streets around the Chinese Theatre are packed with industry professionals, international media, and immense creative energy, making any screening feel amplified.

Cinematic History: Premiering a project on the exact same historic screen that has hosted decades of legendary movie premieres provides a profound sense of validation for an indie filmmaker.

Industry Visibility: Showing a satirical comedy about faith and social media to a packed festival crowd during Oscar weekend offers prime exposure to critics, distributors, and fellow creators who are all in town for Hollywood’s biggest night

The story follows an ordinary man battling something as simple as a Captcha, but it also carries a deeper message about purpose and mediocrity. What do you hope audiences take away from the film?

LIght and levity. It was made first to entertain and to a lesser extent to enlighten and I think it accamplishes both.

Independent filmmaking can be incredibly challenging. What were some of the biggest obstacles you and your team faced while making Feeling Blessed?

I’m pretty experienced so there weren’t any challenges me and my team weren’t prepared for. From broken cards to running on your last batttery, we’ve seen it all and that’s that’s exactly why you hire a great crew to help you through those challenges so they’re nothing more than a bump in the road as  opposed to a complete train wreck.

You publicly thanked director Mark Steward Iverson and the entire post production team for helping bring the film to life. What made this collaboration so special?

What made it special was everyone’s focus on doing something special. Something auidences can walk away with and I think we accomplished that.

Faith based films are becoming increasingly popular around the world. Why do you think audiences today are searching for stories with spiritual meaning and hope?

In the past, faith films were often critiqued for being overly sentimental or low-budget. Today, the genre has evolved dramatically. Modern spiritual films boast high production values, complex characters, and top-tier acting. They also embrace diverse genres—from gritty historical dramas to sharp comedies like Feeling Blessed—making them accessible to mainstream audiences, not just religious ones.

Ultimately, human beings are hardwired to look for meaning. While action blockbusters offer temporary distraction, faith-based and spiritually minded stories offer lasting emotional fulfillment. They leave audiences feeling uplifted, inspired, and reminded of the bigger picture.

After the success of Feeling Blessed, what is next for you creatively, and are there any future projects you are excited to share?

There are many. I’ve got two feature films packaged and just finished shooting 4 reality teasters that I can’t wait to get out there and pitch.