Five funny short docs are the latest recipients of the It’s Funny Because It’s True fund. The initiative between Hot Docs and Netflix supports five projects by emerging filmmakers. Each filmmaker or team receives $20,000 (USD) to create a short doc about a true tale that tickles audiences’ funny bones. The short films will premiere on social media later this year.
“We were happy with the volume and the enthusiasm we saw in response to our open call,” said Heather Conway, Co-President and Executive Director of Hot Docs, in a statement from the festival. Hot Docs reports that over 180 submissions were received. “The projects came from around the world and were unique, impressive and often hilarious. We are excited for audiences to see the five selected projects come to fruition soon.”
The selected projects represent five countries: Canada, the USA, UK, Poland, and Mexico. Filmmakers will receive mentorship and career development support from Netflix in addition to production funds.
The 2022 It’s Funny Because It’s True recipients are:
Lonia & Bronia
Dir. Julia Pelka & Paulina Skibinska | Poland
Lonia and Bronia are identical twin sisters. They are like lovebirds. After 50 years of separation, they finally have time to hang out together, starting with a crazy Warsaw city tour set to a musical rhythm.
My Partner Lives in My Phone
Dir. Lily Ahree Siegel & Hugh Clegg | UK
A filmmaker investigates her sexuality and lack of intimacy while in a long-distance relationship.
The Nugget King
Dir. Darcy Waite | Canada
A simple tweet turned Cody Bondarchuck into the person now known to the world as the Robin Hood of Chicken Nuggets. His meme has been translated into different languages, and even caught the interest of Elon Musk and Tom Hanks.
Paradise of Cats
Dir. Carolina Fusilier | Mexico
After piecing together a surrealist jigsaw puzzle of Remedios Varo’s image of a paradise of cats, a couple begin to encounter mysterious cats being born in their front yard.
Prom Night Flex
Dir. Leon Lozano | USA
A teen ends his senior prom night by recording the most embarrassing video of his life, only to have it accidentally played for the entire class the next day.
