SCA to host third-annual Comedy Festival

Get ready to find humor in things that are no laughing matter.

In a rocky political climate, when connotations of political correctness are rapidly changing, what role does comedy play? Comedians, filmmakers and actors will gather on campus from Oct. 28 to Oct. 30 at USC School of Cinematic Arts’ third Comedy Festival.

In a series of screenings, panels and seminars spread out across three days, comedy experts will cover topics such as women in comedy, racial diversity, political comedy and social media’s role in distribution of content. Additionally, programs will feature films created by students in SCA’s recently established comedy program.

Several big influences in the industry are expected to speak and attend the event, which has steadily gained recognition and popularity since its conception. Judd Apatow, director and producer of several comedy films such as The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up will host a talk on “How to Earn Thousands Making Comedy.” Other industry professionals include Paul Fieg, director of Bridesmaids; Issa Rae, lead actress of The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl; and Ned Fulmer of Buzzfeed.

Zach Galifianakis and Emmy Award-winning screenwriter Diane English will lead a panel discussion about political comedy, an aptly timed discussion on the eve of one of the most controversial elections in American history. With the emergence of political satire as a legitimate news source, comedians discuss what happens when “TV comedy delivers serious political discussion while presidential debates turn laughable.” Artists will discuss the implications of integrating humor into the political process.

The rise of female comedians and women using comedy to share their narratives and further feminism will be explored in a panel titled “Women In Comedy — Stars of Their Own Story.” The immense success of comedians such as Amy Schumer, Tina Fey and Mindy Kaling have continued to create a permanent place for strong, confident and funny women in comedy.

The idea that women have unique and humorous narratives to tell is still a unique one to most, but has become more normalized with the rising popularity of female-driven comedies such as Ghostbusters, Bad Moms and Trainwreck. Women’s role in comedy will be explored by stand-up comedian Maria Bamford, producer Suzanne Todd and other socially conscious, feminist comedians.

USC’s SCA Comedy Festival is part of a movement to legitimize comedy and build up its presence in academia. USC’s comedy program is the first of its kind, attempting to unravel the idea that comedy cannot be taught. Comedy, like all other kinds of film, is based equally on talent and expertise. Founded in 2010, the program “offers instruction in the writing, directing, production as well as the history and theory of comedy.” SCA’s Comedy program has given students interested in pursuing this rapidly evolving field, a strong foundation.

Comedy Festival is a combination of efforts from the School of Cinematic Arts and USC’s Vision and Voices initiative.

The event is free and open to the public, but reservation is required.