‘You Laugh But It’s True’ documentary exploring comedy of future ‘Daily Show’ host, Trevor Noah, to screen at LBIF

Photo via Google
Comedian Trevor Noah is taking
over as the host of ‘The Daily Show.’

For those wondering, “Who is Trevor Noah?” – the comedian taking over for Jon Stewart on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” – the Lighthouse International Film Society will screen “You Laugh But It’s True” on Saturday, April 18, at 8 p.m., at the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences in Loveladies. The 2011 documentary, directed by David Paul Meyer, highlights Noah’s early comedy days, foreshadowing his future appeal both for his comedic abilities and what he represents, and cluing people into his penetrating social commentary.

“At his best, his work reflects similar aspects to Jon Stewart’s success; wielding humor as a political instrument, but with surprising grace,” a press release states.

Specifically, the film explores how Noah, just 25 years old at the time and  working the stand-up scene for only two years, used childhood experiences from a South African biracial family during apartheid to organize material for his first one-man show in Johannesburg.

“I think what the audience will see in the film is that Trevor has found a way to bring a diverse group of people together with vastly different backgrounds and political/culture views and make them all laugh,” Meyer told The SandPaper in an email. “He was the first comedian to really succeed at that in South Africa – before that, audiences at comedy shows in SA were pretty segregated. To do this in a country where apartheid had only ended less than 20 years ago is no small feat, and I don’t think there are many comedians out there in the world who can do that, period. So I think that’s what will really help him succeed on ‘The Daily Show.’

“In terms of working with him on the documentary, it was a great experience, and Trevor and I have become close friends since then,” Meyer added. “Trevor is one of the most intelligent people I know, and he absorbs new information like a sponge. He’s also very loyal to the people he’s closest to.”

Following the screening, participants will have a chance to get involved in a Q&A with Meyer, who is expected to Skype in from one of Noah’s performances in New York City.

Tickets to the event cost $5 for the general public. Admission is free for LIFS members. 

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.