You Laugh But It's True

About 'You Laugh But It's True'

The 2011 documentary film 'You Laugh But It's True' follows the journey of South African comedian Trevor Noah, trying to make it in the tough world of stand up comedy. The film provides an intimate look into Noah's life, juggling his dream with the harsh realities of a racially divided and economically unequal society. Through a unique blend of humor and personal challenges, 'You Laugh But It's True' offers an insightful look into an aspiring comedian’s quest to make people laugh while shedding light on important social issues.

Making / Production

'You Laugh But It's True' was directed by David Paul Meyer. Shooting the documentary was a challenging task given the political and societal dynamics of South Africa at the time. Meyer skillfully captures Noah's journey of writing, rehearsing, and performing his stand up act for the first time.

Actors

• Trevor Noah: As himself, Noah shines brightly showcasing his incredible comedic talent. Through his charismatic performance, audiences get a glimpse into his life, humor, and exceptional wit.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The documentary follows Trevor Noah as he prepares for his first one-man show, The Daywalker, a sold-out performance.
• 'You Laugh But It's True' provides a unique insight into the challenges that Noah faced as a mixed-race comedian in post-apartheid South Africa.
• Despite the comedic focus, the documentary also explores topics like racism, social inequality, and political commentary.

Awards

The film, while critically acclaimed, did not win any major recognized film awards.

Quotes

• "In South Africa, we're not just black and white. I was born to a Swiss father and an Xhosa mother, which means I was born a crime."
• "I didn't food fight when I was a kid. I didn’t have food when I was a kid."

Music, Soundtrack

• While not featuring a traditional soundtrack, the film utilizes a variety of local South African music to help set the scene and tone.