The first Macao International Comedy Festival (MICF) kicked off in Macao, southern China, on Monday, with filmmaker Zhang Yimou and renowned comedians in attendance. The festival is set to feature various international comedy films and theatrical plays to entertain audiences.

(From left to right) Actress Ma Li, director Zhang Yimou, director Ning Hao, and actor Shen Teng pose for a photo during the opening ceremony of the first Macao International Comedy Festival in Macao, March 11, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the MICF Organizing Committee]

The event, running from March 11 to 18, is a collaborative effort initiated by the comedy production company Mahua FunAge, online ticketing platform Damai, and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region. It boasts a diverse lineup that includes drama and film screenings, a comedy awards ceremony, and a comedy industry forum.

Zhang Chen, founder and president of Mahua FunAge and initiator of the festival, stated the event is designed to provide a platform for comedians worldwide to connect and bring exceptional comedy works to Macao by exploring and promoting comedy productions and cultivating local talent. This aims to blend culture with tourism, attract more theater and cinema-goers, and enhance Macao's reputation as a performing arts hub.

He Mi, Damai's president and co-initiator of the festival, noted at the opening ceremony that, "Macao is a place where Eastern and Western cultures, as well as Southern and Northern cultures, blend seamlessly. Comedy is a scenario and cultural product that can easily transcend ordinary human interactions, allowing people from different cultures, races, and language systems to resonate with one another."

During the festival, five international stage plays are scheduled for showcase, including: "A Comedy of Operas" from Spain, "A Dance Tribute to the Art of Football" from Norway, "The Crazy Happy Version of 'Liaozhai' – Three Lifetimes" from the Chinese mainland, "The Robbery" from the Taiwan region, and the premiere of a Cantonese version of "Shear Madness" by a local cast. Additionally, nine comedy films will be screened, such as "Rent Boy" from Thailand, "Men of Deeds" from Romania, "Luxembourg, Luxembourg" from Ukraine, and "Goodbye Mr. Loser" from the mainland.

Leong Wai Man, director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region government, said at the opening ceremony that Macao is a modern city with a profound Chinese cultural heritage and diverse cultural integration. She emphasized that through the universally beloved art form of comedy, the festival seeks to leverage the development opportunities presented by the deepened cooperation between Macao and Guangdong. The aim is to share stories of the Chinese nation's "optimism, confidence, openness, and inclusivity" with the world.

Renowned Chinese film director Zhang Yimou, who participated in a dialogue session alongside fellow Chinese director Ning Hao and comedians Shen Teng and Ma Li, remarked that comedy is a sophisticated art form that not only makes people laugh but also prompts reflection on human nature and societal issues. Zhang highlighted the significance of Macao's location, considering it a prime window for the Greater Bay Area and potentially for broader Asian and global audiences in the future.

"I hope these comedies can reach millions of households and that this international format continues. Having made a start, we must also acknowledge the challenges ahead. I hope we keep persevering, for if it is a dream, we must persist," Zhang stated.

The festival, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, also invited dozens of comedians from both domestic and international backgrounds, such as Wang Baoqiang, Wei Xiang, Qiao Shan, Ai Lun, and Chayanop Boonprakob, to gather in Macao for communication and exchanges. Additionally, there will be street flash mob performances by comedians, showcasing the best segments of iconic musicals like "Rent" and "Avenue Q." The closing ceremony will be held in Hengqin, a district in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, highlighting the strong ties between Macao and the mainland.

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)