Comedy industry forum discusses both female creators' value and strength

Comedian Ma Li, renowned host Chen Luyu and award-winning Michelle Wai joined a "Her Way" industry forum in Macao on April 11. At the event taking place during the third Macao International Comedy Festival, they discussed female comedy creation, character agency and the power of growth.

(From left to right) Ma Li, Chen Luyu and Michelle Wai attend the "Her Way" industry forum in Macao during the third Macao International Comedy Festival, April 11, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Mahua Fun Age]

Ma Li shared that she has always hoped for comedians to receive professional recognition throughout her 20 years in the comedy industry. Winning the Best Actress in a Comedy Film award for her performance in "You Are the Best" at the inaugural CMG Chinese Film Gala in March marked a moment when the artistic value of comedy was finally recognized by the film industry.

"I was always flattered by people who said your comedy is so funny, your performance is so good. However, when I attend award ceremonies, no award category was set for comedians, so I always wanted to see a comedy category in awards shows," Ma said. "This honor is very important and inspires us to move forward. The moment when I won the award, I went on stage without a smile. Actually, I wanted to cry."

Ma also admitted she was an insecure person because she has suffered from a time of being constantly denied and not recognized. "Over the years, I've made more films of various types and worked with many great directors. I see it as an opportunity to learn and grow," she said. "When it comes to playing a role, I think there's nothing wrong with using technique as an actor. But I myself prefer to feel with my heart. First, I have to believe it myself, and then convince the audience to believe it. Only through belief can your character take root and become vivid."

Chen Luyu noted that female comedy today is breaking stereotypes, no longer limited to exaggerated self-mockery or playing ugly. Female characters can be authentic, sexy and multi-layered, using humor to dismantle anxiety and transform private struggles into public topics, she said. Chen believes female creators are born with the responsibility to break the ceiling.

From the perspective of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Michelle Wai shared that local comedy is shifting from street-level humor to a new form of expression that blends local culture with female awakening.

Referring to the acclaimed film "The Last Dance" she starred in, she admitted that she trained hard for eight to nine months for her role, overcoming her fear of jumping through fire and learning traditional skills. Through a complex, multifaceted character, she conveys the attitude of contemporary women. Staying true to one's heart and living with clarity, she said, is the best embodiment of female strength.

Winning the Best Actress award for her role in the film at the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards in 2025, Wai said the key to her final success is to have passion and persistence. "Actually, before 'The Last Dance,' I had been doubting myself. But luckily, I really love this job, so I never thought about giving up. I just kept working hard in silence."

Ma Li said she hopes to make more female-themed films to expand women's expression and enhance the importance and character arc of female characters. "Now I'm also working as an executive producer, hoping that through this path I can have more female expression and let more charismatic female characters be seen by the audience."

She appreciated organizer Mahua Fun Age for holding this female-themed forum. As an initiator of the festival, this is Ma's commitment. "I have said that when we do the Macao International Comedy Festival, in addition to selecting talents, we hope to use this international platform to let more women hear our powerful female voices. I think it's very good — an opportunity for everyone to communicate and exchange," Ma said.

Chen said she truly believes that life is sometimes more dramatic than drama itself. "So we are all on a very magical, very long journey of creation," she stressed. "'Her Way,' I think, is each of our own ways. In this era, there is no longer a clear barrier — who is a creator? Everyone is a creator. I truly believe that each of us makes the most sincere expression of this era."

"And anyway, once we get on this ride, we should enjoy the scenery along the way and cherish the people around us," Wai added.