Documentary hits cinemas in August

The documentary Misery Loves Comedy is to be shown in British cinemas.

Featuring more than 50 comedy stars including Tom Hanks, Judd Apatow, Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Coogan, Stephen Merchant and Larry David, the film aims to answer the question: Do you really have to be miserable to be funny?

It has its European premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on June 25 – then will hit British cinemas on August 21, it was announced today.

Directed by Kevin Pollak, whose acting credits include The Usual Suspects and Casino,  the 94-minute film was made following a crowdfunding campaign, and premiered at this year's Sundance Film Festival.

Distributors Spectrum say: 'The star-studded cast dig into their earliest comic experiences, most epic fails and tell unforgettable anecdotes to reveal a performer's deep, and perhaps paradoxical, desire to connect with audiences.

'It reminds us that the best humour may be derived from misery, but that it's the comedian's particular brand of truth that helps us all understand a little better what it means to be human.'

Here is the trailer:

Published: 16 Jun 2015