Curious how the idea for a film festival dedicated to comedy came about? At BT, we wondered the same and would like to share the story.

The idea emerged seven years ago. It came to the people who today organise the Comedy Cluj International Film Festival while they were in Belgium, at the International Francophone Film Festival in Namur, after a long day of watching films — mostly dramas, some edging into tragedy — weighty stories tackling social issues to sound an alarm. In other words, exactly what a good film should do. But the wrapping felt heavy, especially for those who want a relaxing evening after a hectic day.

So our partners turned to comedy — not an easy laugh, but a smart comedy that has something to say, a message delivered in a more relaxed way. And perhaps Romanians in particular needed such films, brought together in a festival. Because, as the saying goes, a day without laughter is a day wasted.

A year later, the first Comedy Cluj took place, and its success has allowed it to grow year after year, bringing to Cluj a selection that explores comedy as a complex genre. Over time, related events were added: workshops, debates, theatre performances, and this year, at its seventh edition, the festival is presenting nearly 200 films, with numerous industry guests in attendance. 

The 2015 Comedy Cluj International Film Festival will take place October 16–25 and promises to be the most engaging edition so far.

We are proud, as a bank, to have been involved since the very first edition, and we warmly invite you to the event: http://comedycluj.ro/