Frequently Asked Questions
Well no one has asked us them yet...but just in case
What’s it all about then?
The festival aims to provide a platform for local, national and international comedy film makers to showcase their new work to the public, whilst also celebrating the heritage of comedy film classics. Of course, more than anything it is about putting a smile on people’s faces and spreading the happy vibe.
Who is behind the scenes?
The International Comedy Film Festival is an initiative of the English Riviera Tourist Board, who are working in collaboration with a large number of dedicated supporters. And we are always looking for more people to join our happy band, including sponsors, patrons and generous volunteers.
What are your ambitions for the festival?
We’ve got big dreams and aim to put the host resort of the English Riviera on the world film festival map and to encourage thousands of people to come and visit us in our beautiful corner of the world. Of course we will start at a sensible size, but as we are fond of reminding people, Cannes was once a small fish village and the Sundance Festival is in the middle of nowhere!
Why the English Riviera?
Combine a resort often compared to the French Riviera and a legacy like Fawlty Towers and the idea of turning Torbay into the Cannes of Comedy was too good an opportunity to resist. As the birthplace of Peter Cook and with further connections to Comic Strip Presents, the festival developed into the perfect way of celebrating our comedy heritage whilst also showcasing the English Riviera as a world class destination.
Who Programmes the festival?
Various people really. New films that are being screened were dictated by availability in the first year, until we establish ourselves and have a bit more clout. The season of French comedies has been kindly programmed by the Blue Walnut Café, while the hosting of mini touring festivals like Oska Bright and Birds Eye View was just a question of good timing. Of course we are always open to suggestions, while the ‘Rolling In The Aisles’ screenings of the best comedy films ever lets everyone have a hand in the programming of the event – so get voting!
Why aren’t you showing all of the films in the cinema?
Well we are certainly showing some of the films in the local cinemas, but we also wanted to be a bit more adventurous and to show films in places you wouldn’t normally get to see them. This means we get to use really quirky places like old theatres, museums, hotels, car parks and even a haunted monastic barn. In the future we aim to screen films in lots more quirky places including boats and caves, so if you have any unusual ideas, get in touch!
Who is paying for it all?
The festival is being funded through sponsorship, grants and patronage, so please visit our Get Involved section if you would like to support this event in some way. Ticket sales are also another revenue generator, although we are keen to keep these as low as possible to make the festival as accessible to as many people as possible.
Is there an educational element?
Yes, we are very keen that the festival should also have an educational side and we have included several workshops and talks, as well as Q&A sessions with prominent people involved in the film industry. The Eat My Shorts comedy film competition is also another fantastic way for schools, colleges and aspiring film makers to get involved. Should you be someone involved in the film industry and able to share your expertise, please get in touch!
Do you support any charities?
Each year we will be organising a star-studded gala evening called ‘It’s A Wrap’ raising money for a worthwhile charity. If you are able to support this event in any way, we would love to hear from you. We need raffle prizes and ‘money can’t buy’ auction lots, so if you have anything you can kindly donate, please get in touch.
Are any stars expected to come to the festival?
Build it and they will come is our motto. While the festival isn’t really just about famous people, already a few familiar faces have agreed to jump on the National Express 501 and visit us. Keep an eye out for lots of surprises throughout the festival and who knows who you might spot strolling around the English Riviera!
