Watch Journey of a Female Comic

Journey of a Female Comic is a 2014 independent film chronicling the struggles of a Latina comedian, played by Kiki Melendez, as she attempts to break into the male-dominated field of stand-up comedy. The film opens with the protagonist, Catalina, performing at an open mic night in front of a small audience. Despite her talent and natural sense of humor, Catalina faces harsh criticism and even disdain from her male peers who constantly belittle her and dismiss her comedic style as unoriginal and not funny.

As the film progresses, Catalina faces numerous obstacles and setbacks on her quest for success, including financial struggles, problems with her family, and a lack of support from the comedy community. Despite these setbacks, Catalina remains resilient, determined to prove herself as a successful female comedian.

Throughout the film, we see glimpses of Catalina's personal life, including her difficult relationship with her mother, played by Maria Conchita Alonso, who disapproves of her daughter's career choice, and her close bond with her teenage daughter, played by Valenzia Algarin.

One of the most powerful moments in the film comes when Catalina is invited to perform at a well-known comedy club, only to have the owner tell her that she must change her appearance and act more "sexy" in order to appeal to a male audience. Catalina, frustrated but undeterred, ultimately decides to perform in her own authentic style, which resonates with the audience and leads to a standing ovation.

Journey of a Female Comic is a poignant and honest portrayal of the struggles faced by female comedians, particularly those of color, in the entertainment industry. The film tackles issues of gender inequality, racism, and the cultural biases that exist within comedy and society as a whole.

Melendez, who wrote and directed the film, gives a powerful performance as the lead character, expertly conveying both the vulnerability and strength of Catalina. Alonso and Algarin, as the two important women in Catalina's life, also deliver standout performances, adding depth and nuance to the film.

Overall, Journey of a Female Comic is a heartwarming and inspirational film that highlights the importance of perseverance and staying true to oneself in the face of adversity.

Journey of a Female Comic is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 9.4.