The Portuguese city of Pombal is currently hosting the fourth iteration of the HaHaArt Film Festival. This event holds the distinction of being the first national film showcase entirely dedicated to the often-underestimated genre of comedy. Organized meticulously by the Cineclube de Pombal with crucial backing from the Municipality of Pombal, the festival is a significant cultural fixture that runs until October 27. Its primary mission is to firmly establish the artistic merit and critical importance of comedy, a cinematic category frequently marginalized or overshadowed within the broader international film landscape, despite its universal appeal and capacity for sharp social commentary.
The core of the event is the official competition segment, which features a robust and carefully curated selection of 34 short films. These entries originate from 17 different nations, successfully highlighting both the festival’s global reach and the impressive diversity of contemporary comedic styles. The works selected span a wide range of tones and approaches, encompassing examples of subtle, biting social satire, deeply surreal explorations of the human condition, and a notably strong presence from French cinematography. This international scope underscores the organizers' commitment to showcasing comedy as a sophisticated and globally relevant art form.
Beyond the main competitive slate, the program incorporates specialized screening sections designed to cater to varied and niche tastes. The "Midnight Madness" section is specifically reserved for the most provocative, challenging, and boundary-pushing features, aimed squarely at discerning adult audiences seeking unconventional humor. Conversely, the "Azoresploitation" section offers a unique, often irreverent, and comedic perspective on the distinct culture, traditions, and idiosyncrasies of the Azores Islands, providing a localized yet universally engaging form of humor.
The festival commenced with a high-profile national premiere: Amalia Ulman’s highly anticipated film, "Magic Farm." Starring the acclaimed Chloe Sevigny, this picture masterfully blends sharp social criticism with elements of black humor, setting a high bar for the week’s programming. The closing night will provide a contrasting yet equally compelling experience, featuring the screening of Henrique Buleo’s tragicomedy, "Bodegón con fantasmas," a work that delves into the profound juxtaposition of melancholy and the absurd, demonstrating comedy's ability to tackle serious themes.
Significantly, this year marks the debut of the "Jornadas da Comédia" (Comedy Days). This new forum is designed to facilitate robust dialogue and the exchange of ideas among established filmmakers, industry experts, and students. By integrating this analytical component, the festival aims to significantly strengthen the academic and critical dimension of the event, moving comedy further into the realm of serious study and discussion.
The organizers at Cineclube de Pombal proudly reflect on the festival's rapid ascent. They note that across its three previous editions, HaHaArt successfully showcased approximately 200 films sourced from 34 countries, welcoming cinematic professionals from four continents. HaHaArt has successfully carved out a unique and essential niche within the Portuguese film festival circuit. It distinguishes itself sharply from other major national events, such as Fantasporto in Porto, which has maintained a primary focus on fantasy cinema since its inception in 1981. All screenings for the HaHaArt Film Festival take place at the historic Teatro-Cine de Pombal, with tickets conveniently available for purchase both online and at the venue's box office.