The 2nd Macau International Comedy Festival officially opened on April 9, under the theme "Laughter as our international language". Continuing the successful "one festival, two cities" model launched in the first year, this year's festival features five core sections.
The festival opened with the Chinese debut of the stage play Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out. This whimsical tale brings the natural and cultural charm of Hengqin to life from a child's perspective.
Children from six kindergartens in both Hengqin and Macao were invited to the immersive performance at the Mahua FunAge Theater, experiencing the magic of comedy firsthand. Popular Chinese comedians Ai Lun and Chang Yuan engaged with the young audience, sharing insights into the creation of comedy.
The festival also invites international stars like Takeshi Kitano and Aamir Khan. Highlights include the Asian premiere of Charlie Chaplin: The Spirit of the Tramp and the China premiere of Kitano's new film Broken Rage, along with more than 30 classic IP screenings.
On April 11, Hengqin will host the final round of the script pitching competition. Well-known Chinese comedy directors and actors like Shen Teng, Ma Li, Feng Xiaogang, and Xu Zheng will witness the transformation of scripts into plays. The closing forum, themed "Laughter is the Best Medicine," will see Aamir Khan join Shen Teng and Ma Li for a cross-cultural dialogue on the social impact and future of the comedy industry.
The Hengqin IDC has partnered for a second year with comedy powerhouse Mahua FunAge to co-host the festival. With policy support, the company has facilitated the establishment of Mahua's international business and copyright centers in Hengqin, with ongoing performances at the Mahua Theater.
During the festival, the Hengqin Culture & Art Complex serves as a key venue, hosting major events in collaboration with Macao. This cross-border cooperation enhances cultural tourism integration, offering audiences an immersive journey through theater and cinema.
Reporter | Dai Bosi
Photo | Hengqin Online
Editor | Hu Nan, James, Shen He
