On January 6, 2023, Rome hosted the inaugural Comicità Festival at the Palazzo dei Congressi and Nuvola, celebrating the rich tradition of Italian comedy. This festival aimed to bring together celebrated figures from various comedic disciplines, showcasing the vibrant art of humor through cinema, live performances, literature, and cartoons.
The event kicked off with family-friendly entertainment featuring Gigi Proietti’s enchanting narration of the classic fairy tale "Rosaspina," drawn from Le favole nel sacco, which was presented by his daughter Carlotta Proietti. The delightfully illustrated story captured the audience's imagination as images created by Proietti’s daughter Susanna were projected on screens.
Following this heartwarming start, esteemed comic actor Lino Banfi, now the festival's president, shared his insights during a talk moderated by Ezio Greggio and Mario Sesti. Banfi, who has held many titles throughout his career, expressed his joy at taking on the presidency, quipping, “It’s my first time being president... I liked this thing.” His reflections not only celebrated his longstanding career but also emphasized the challenges faced by comedians today, noting the need for new talent to carry on the tradition.
Afterward, the festival continued with the renowned actor Carlo Verdone, who provided fans with behind-the-scenes anecdotes during his conversation with Greggio and Sesti. Verdone was honored with the Pietro Germi Award for his outstanding contributions to comedy, highlighting moments from his iconic film, Viaggi di nozze, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Attendees were treated not only to nostalgic scenes but also to Verdone's recounting of memorable experiences from the film’s production.
Meanwhile, Maurizio Battista engaged with the audience about his life and new film Tu quoque, which comically transports its protagonist back to Ancient Rome. With warmth and humor, he stated, “My comedy reflects my village and my problems, presented amusingly.” Battista’s passion for storytelling shone through as he showcased clips from this heartfelt project, receiving the Special Comicità Award for his energetic approach to comedy.
Later in the day, audience members enjoyed discussions focused on female comedians, participating in dialogues sparked by figures like Edwige Fenech, Paola Minaccioni, and Francesca Reggiani. A highlight was the inaugural Stand Up Award, presented to Laura Formenti by one of Paolo Villaggio's sons. This acknowledgement celebrated women’s contributions to Italian comedy and their role as pioneers of humor.
The event culminated with heartfelt tributes to one of Italy's most beloved comedic characters, Paolo Villaggio. Saverio Raimondo was honored with the Stand Up Award, and the celebration included messages from Villaggio's family and colleagues, casting light on the legacy of this iconic figure who has inspired generations of comedians.
Lastly, as the festival drew to a close, attendees watched the timeless comedy film Fantozzi, directed by Luciano Salce. This screening celebrated the film's upcoming 50-year anniversary, reminding the audience of the lasting impact of Villaggio's work on Italian humor.
The Comicità Festival effectively brought together various generations of comedians and audiences alike, establishing itself as a promising annual event with ambitions to expand and enrich the cultural fabric of Italian comedy. Ivan Tamburrini, president of the cultural association Pantheon, stated, "This will be the first of many editions… we aim to make this festival a cornerstone of Italian comedy." Indeed, Comicità Festival is poised to leave its mark on the comedy scene, ensuring laughter remains at the center of Italian culture for years to come.