It Started As A Joke

It Started As A Joke is a documentary film that follows the 10-year anniversary of the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival. The festival was established by comedian Eugene Mirman and his friends Michael Ian Black, Wyatt Cenac, and Eugene's girlfriend Katie West, who also happened to be a talent booker. The festival was a unique and collaborative venture, where comedians from various backgrounds and genres came together to perform.

The documentary is a warm and heartfelt tribute to the spirit of the festival and also to the friendship and creative collaboration between Eugene and his friends. The film primarily focuses on the final year of the festival, which took place in 2017, and we see Eugene and his friends preparing for the festival and reminiscing about the past.

The documentary is directed by Julie Smith Clem and Ken Druckerman, and they have successfully managed to capture the magic of the festival and its impact on the New York comedy scene. The film is not just a celebration of comedy, but it also explores the struggle and hard work that goes into creating and organizing a festival.

The film features interviews with the festival's core team, including Eugene, Michael Ian Black, Wyatt Cenac, and Katie West. We also hear from the performers who participated in the festival, including John Hodgman, Kumail Nanjiani, Kristen Schaal, Reggie Watts, and more.

The documentary is beautifully shot and edited, and it has a nostalgic and warm feel to it. It is a perfect tribute to the festival and Eugene's vision, and it highlights the importance of community and collaboration in the arts.

One of the film's most significant strengths is its humor. The documentary is genuinely funny, and it showcases some of the best comedy talent out there. The jokes are intelligent and creative, and they range from the silly to the satirical. It Started As A Joke isn't just a documentary about comedy, but it also has a great sense of humor.

In addition to the comedy, the documentary also delves into some deeper themes, such as the importance of friendship, the struggle of creatives to pursue their passion, and the impact of a festival like this on the broader comedy scene. The film balances these themes perfectly, and it never feels heavy-handed or preachy.

Overall, It Started As A Joke is an entertaining and heartwarming documentary that showcases the creativity, passion, and humor of the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival. The film is a testament to the enduring power of comedy and the importance of community and collaboration in the arts. It is a must-watch for any fan of comedy or anyone who appreciates the hard work and dedication that goes into creating a festival.