At the age of 30, the age of maturity, it is worth remembering some moments from the existence of a Festival which became a reference point on the map of the world’s comedians.
The International Festival of Satirical Graphics and Humorous Literature ,,Humor at.. Gura Humorului” started în 1991 out of the desire to value, in a humorous way, the appellation (naming) of the city even if its name is due to the location of Gura Humorului at the confluence of two rivers: Humor and Moldova.
As the cartoonist Albert Poch said, this place seems to have a predestined name to be a launching ramp, stage and shelter for those who have dedicated themselves, love and respect the art of laughing usefully.
Certainly, today, there are several people/institutions who claim the paternity of the Festival and, for the matter, I believe that everyone is right contributing according to their skills, love, tenacity, dedication and financial possibilities at the birth and perpetuation of the event. However, I consider that the Festival wouldn’t have existed if there were no talented people at Gura Humorului who dare to face the harsh times until December’89 using the pen’s tip to set aright injustice, stupidity, ignorance, lack of respect or the malignity that governed our existence.
Even risking their freedom.
Their names are: George Gavrilean, Radu Bercea, Florin Sușinschi și Teo Bocăneț whose works were sought/hunted, commented and enjoyed with the same pleasure as the works of Mihai Stănescu. That was the beggining. An ideea materialized and supported by local and county institutions and, since 2014, in collaboration with the neighboring town – Mănăstirea Humorului — which assigned the section of humorous literature. For a while, the Festival had three sections: caricature, epigram and artistic interpretation, the third being abandoned when it slipped into vulgarity and indecensy. Today, the Festival Humor at.. Gura Humorului has become a complex cultural event including in addition to the competition sections, various humorous performances, personal exhibitions, documentaries and photography presentations, meetings with famous writers, craft fairs, etc. Since 2007, the Festival has really become an internationally one, known and recognized all over the world. Seriouslly, I used to say that only the participants from Antartica are missing. But how hope never dies…
On its anniversary, we had to thank all those who have worked hard that event can exist and rezist: the organizers, sponsors, members of the jury, artists, writers, to the honorary president of the Festival, Ștefan Popa Popa’s, participants, media collaborators and last but not least, to the public. Personally, I am honored to have been part of such a mechanism, having the chance to meet very, very special people, the chance to make wonderfull friends here, in my country and in the wider world, the chance to not lose my hope. I believe with all my might that, decent people, even if there are not many, will save us by their deeds.
But do not get too comfortable!
They need help!
Elvira Romaniuc