The second Macao International Comedy Festival (MICF) opened in Hengqin on Wednesday, bringing together top comedians and filmmakers for events across Hengqin and Macao over the coming days.

Comedians Chang Yuan and Ai Lun take a selfie with performers from "Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out!" at the second Macao International Comedy Festival in Hengqin, Guangdong province, April 9, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Mahua Fun Age]

The five-day festival runs through Sunday in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) and in neighboring Hengqin, Guangdong province. The events will feature comedy megastars like Shen Teng and Ma Li, alongside international filmmakers including Takeshi Kitano, Aamir Khan, Feng Xiaogang and Xu Zheng. Special guest Dolores Chaplin — an actor and granddaughter of comedy legend Charles Chaplin — will also participate.

The MICF program features stage performances, film screenings, industry pitch sessions, a grand gala night and professional forums at multiple venues throughout both Macao and Hengqin.

Mahua Fun Age, a leading Chinese comedy production company, organizes the festival under the leadership of its founder and president, Zhang Chen, alongside Shen Teng and Ma Li. Other key backers include Han Mei, CEO of Mahua Fun Age; Li Jie, president of Alibaba Pictures; He Mi, president of Damai; and Sabrina Zhang from Joyful Moments Culture & Entertainment.

The festival opened Wednesday with "Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out!" — a Mandarin stage adaptation by Mahua Fun Age of the popular British children's series. Kindergartners from across Hengqin and Macao made up much of the enthusiastic audience.

Comedians Ai Lun and Chang Yuan later made a surprise appearance, sharing creative insights and professional experiences with the audience and fellow comedy creators.

Events running April 10-13 include high-profile stand-up showcases featuring comedians from China and abroad. Meanwhile, an expanded film program presents comedy classics, including "Crazy Rich Asians," the "Detective Chinatown" series and "Lost in Thailand," along with filmmaker Q&As and masterclasses. Highlights include the China debut of Takeshi Kitano's new comedy "Broken Rage" and the Asian premiere of the documentary "Charlie Chaplin: The Spirit of the Tramp," produced by Dolores Chaplin.

This festival edition also introduces a new segment titled "New Talents: Comedy Venture Capital Forum." Acclaimed directors Feng Xiaogang and Xu Zheng, alongside comedy stars Shen Teng and Ma Li, will serve as judges. The program aims to connect promising comedians with industry resources and funding opportunities.

Two industry forums will take place April 12-13, examining trends in comedy. "Her Way" focuses on women's growing influence in comedy, while "Laughter as the Remedy" explores humor's impact on the industry's future. Both events will feature industry professionals sharing insights through panel discussions and collaborative sessions.

Children watch the opening performance of "Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out!" at the second Macao International Comedy Festival in Hengqin, Guangdong province, April 9, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Mahua Fun Age]

Additionally, this year's festival will showcase a groundbreaking improv comedy-yoga workshop that explores the connections between art and daily wellness practices.

Leong Wai Man, director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR government, commended the MICF, noting that it aligns with the region's role as a vital hub for Eastern and Western cultures and its efforts to promote Chinese cultural exchange.