The 3rd Macau International Comedy Festival kicked off at the Hengqin Culture and Art Complex yesterday, featuring an opening ceremony and a string of performances aimed at nurturing comedy talent and strengthening cultural exchange, running through Sunday.
The four-day festival, co-organised by Mahua FunAge and the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), brings together industry professionals, performers and emerging talents.
Speaking to the media after the performances, Mahua FunAge CFO Cheng Le’er highlighted the festival’s focus on talent development through its “Young Performing Artists Talents Training Programme”.
“This is our third year in Hengqin. Over time, we have come to understand this place better, discovered talents here, gradually cultivated them, and introduced them to the industry”, Cheng said.
Cheng said the initiative reflects the festival’s broader goal of building an international platform for comedy. “Our original intention has always been to discover and cultivate young comedy talents and actors, and provide them with opportunities to enter the industry”, she noted.
In addition to stage performances, the festival also features an immersive musical show set in Nam Van, combining music, dance and storytelling. The production integrates elements of Macau’s over 400-year history as an East-West entrepôt, highlighting cultural exchanges between the two sides over centuries. “We created an open-air stage, allowing audiences to feel how Eastern and Western cultures coexist in Macau”, Cheng said.
She added that comedy plays a role in bridging social gaps. “Through laughter, people can better understand each other. We believe many negative emotions can be eased through comedy,” she said. Cheng also emphasised the strategic role of Hengqin, noting its proximity to Macau and its creative environment. She said the collaboration between Macau and Hengqin allows local talent to reach international audiences, while also introducing global productions to the Greater Bay Area (GBA) market.
Looking ahead, Cheng said the festival aims to go beyond a short-term event and evolve into a long-term platform. “We hope it will not just be a three- or four-day event, but something continuous that brings ecological and industry development to Macau and Hengqin”, she said.
Organisers said the festival will continue to expand its role in talent incubation and cultural exchange, supporting Macau’s development as a city of entertainment while fostering new opportunities in the creative industry.
Moreover, US-based Chinese-Malaysian actress and producer Michelle Yeoh (楊紫瓊) will reportedly make a special appearance at the festival on Sunday.
Stage actors perform during the first day of the 3rd Macau International Comedy Festival at the Hengqin Culture and Art Complex yesterday. – Photos: Khalel Vallo
