Watch You Laugh But It's True

You Laugh But It's True is a hilarious and inspiring documentary that chronicles the rise of South African comedian Loyiso Gola as he navigates the tough and often dangerous world of stand-up comedy in post-apartheid South Africa. The film, which was released in 2011, was directed by David Paul Meyer and features interviews with Gola, his fellow comedians, and his family and friends. It also includes footage of Gola performing his stand-up routine in clubs and theaters across the country.

The documentary opens with Gola talking about his childhood in a small town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. He recalls how he used to entertain his classmates with jokes and impressions, and how he would watch American sitcoms and try to imitate the characters.

As Gola got older, he began performing stand-up comedy in local clubs and quickly developed a reputation as one of the funniest and most insightful comedians in the country. However, he soon discovered that being a comedian in South Africa was not an easy job.

The film explores the challenges faced by South African comedians in the post-apartheid era, including issues of censorship, political correctness, and the constant threat of violence from audience members who may not appreciate the jokes.

Despite these challenges, Gola continued to persevere, performing his unique blend of social commentary and satire to ever-growing audiences across the country. Along the way, he became a popular figure in the South African entertainment industry, appearing on numerous television shows and earning critical acclaim for his work.

The film also explores Gola's personal life, including his relationship with his parents and his struggles with romantic relationships. Through these personal moments, we get a deeper sense of who Gola is as a person and what drives him to pursue his dream of being a successful comedian.

One of the highlights of the film is the footage of Gola performing his stand-up routine. From jokes about race relations to observations about everyday life in South Africa, Gola's humor is both biting and hilarious, and his delivery is flawless.

We also see Gola interact with his fellow comedians, including Rabin Harduth and Kagiso Lediga, who share their own experiences and insights about the comedy scene in South Africa. Through these conversations, we get a sense of the camaraderie and support that exists among these comedians, who must navigate the many challenges of their profession together.

Ultimately, You Laugh But It's True is a heartwarming and uplifting film that celebrates the power of laughter and the resilience of the human spirit. It shows us that even in the face of adversity, humor can be a powerful force for change and healing, and that the greatest comedians are those who are able to make us laugh even in the darkest of times.

Overall, this documentary serves as a tribute to the talents of Loyiso Gola and his fellow comedians, and a celebration of the vibrant and diverse culture of South Africa. Whether you're a fan of stand-up comedy or simply looking for an inspiring and entertaining film, You Laugh But It's True is definitely worth watching.

You Laugh But It's True is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.