A convincing set-up, a surprising punchline. 

The basic elements of a joke reveal to us that humour, for the most part, arises from incongruity—when something happens that defies expectation. As we live through one of humanity’s most dissonant epochs, comedy is perhaps now more relevant than ever. Seeking catharsis through the chaos, a pure, involuntary expression emanates from within—laughter.

For its first programme of 2022, Asian Film Archive presents hahaha, a celebration of one of cinema’s most pleasurable genres. Featuring ten films across five different decades; from the side-splittingly slapstick and wrly deadpan to the satirically political and downright surreal, expect a delightful assortment of comic stylings to tickle your senses. 

Be it a nervous giggle, a hearty guffaw or a cheeky chuckle, laughing with fellow audiences blurs the line between filmgoing as a solitary experience and as communal participation. At a time when gatherings face ever-fluctuating scrutiny, we invite you to the cinema yet again to sit together with friends and strangers and have a good time—masks still on of course.

hahaha: a season of comedy will screen at Oldham Theatre from 7 January – 27 February 2022.

The 10 films in the lineup are:

Hahaha (하하하) (2010, dir. Hong Sang-Soo)

It Must Be Heaven (2019, dir. Elia Suleiman)

Kamome Diner (かもめ食堂/Kamome shokudō) (2006, dir. Naoko Ogigami)

Men Who Save the World (Lelaki Harapan Dunia) (2014, dir. Liew Seng Tat)

Money Has Four Legs (ခြေလေးချောင်) (2020, dir. Maung Sun)

Pendekar Bujang Lapok (The Bachelor Warriors) (1959, dir. P. Ramlee)

Rent-A-Cat (レンタネコ/Rentaneko) (2012, dir. Naoko Ogigami)

Summer Snow (女人四十) (1995, dir. Ann Hui)

Sweetie, You Won’t Believe It (Zhanym, ty ne poverish) (2020, Yernar Nurgaliyev)

Symbol (しんぼる/Shinboru) (2009, dir. Hitoshi Matsumoto)

Oldham Theatre’s opening hours

Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, 22 December 2021. Scroll below to click on the film/showtime to purchase tickets.

Friends of AFA members may select the “Friends of AFA” option and enter your membership number if you wish to redeem your remaining complimentary tickets.

For further assistance, please contact us at ticketing@asianfilmarchive.org 

Important Notice:

Do note that Oldham Theatre does not play ads and screenings will start promptly. Arrive early so as not to disrupt the screenings. All patrons are encouraged to purchase your tickets online to be able to secure a seat. Seats are limited due to social distancing regulations. If you choose to purchase tickets or merchandise at Oldham Theatre’s box office, cashless payment is preferred.

Measures will be taken to ensure the health and safety of all patrons at Oldham Theatre. This includes wearing a mask at all times for both staff and patrons, TraceTogether logging and observance of social distancing around the theatre. Doors will open 20 minutes before showtime, so arrive early to register and find a seat.

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T&Cs
Concession tickets apply to Students (Local & Overseas), Full-time National Servicemen (NSF), Senior Citizens (55 years and above) only.

Please check film ratings before purchase of tickets. Please note that you may be asked to present your ID at the door (this applies to concession tickets as well). Only physical photographic identification is allowed, digital copies of identification are not allowed. AFA reserves the right to turn away any members of the public without physical photographic identification.

Upon confirmation of your order for Tickets, no exchange of Tickets will be made under any circumstances and Tickets are not transferable. No refund on Tickets will be made under any circumstances except due to cancellation of the event. The resale of Tickets at any price is prohibited.