Video: "I Am A Comedian" Introduction and Panel Discussion at Gene Siskel Film Center, April 9th, 2025

 

I Am A Comedian2022, Fumiari Hyuga, South Korea/Japan, 108min

Wednesday, April 9th, 5PM
Gene Siskel Film Center
https://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/i-am-comedian

Daisuke Muramoto won Japan's top comedy champion title before becoming a regular on television, gaining recognition as a leading comedian. Under the conservative political regime, however, freedom of speech in Japanese media and public discourse began to erode. Disillusioned, Muramoto left television and shifted to stand-up comedy in theaters nationwide. The film highlights his engagement with communities, where he crafts comedy addressing societal contradictions and empowering marginalized voices. Muramoto explores how comedy arises from tragedy, using humor to confront injustices while navigating criticism and personal struggles. This work invites audiences to reflect on the role of comedians in society, leaving a lasting impression. Following the screening, a panel discussion will feature director Fumiari Hyuga, Daisuke Muramoto, and experts.

Introduction: Aiko Kojima Hibino, Lecturer, Liberal Arts Department, School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Moderator: Yuki Miyamoto, Professor, Department of Religious Studies, DePaul University, Director, DePaul Humanities Center

Panelists:

Fumiari Hyuga, Director 

Daisuke Muramoto, Comedian

Kirin Wachter-Grene, Assitant Professor, Liberal Arts Department, School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Michael Fisch, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Chicago

Interpreter: Jun Mizukawa, Lecturer, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Lake Forest College

Sponsors: School of the Art Institute of Chicago, DePaul Humanities Center, University of Chicago Center for East Asian Studies