Many comedy fans are not laughing after a popular Canadian festival was recently cancelled.
Organizers announced the cancellation of the 2024 edition of Just for Laughs Montreal earlier this week, revealing that the Montreal-based company that operates the festival, Groupe Juste pour rire Inc. (JPR) has filed a Notice of Intention to make a proposal under Canada’s Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
In a release, the company explained that its board of directors has decided that due to the company’s financial situation, it has no choice but to begin formal restructuring.
“Unfortunately, the 2024 edition of the Just for Laughs / Juste pour rire festival will not take place, at least not at the same time and in the same form as it customarily has,” the company explained in a release, adding that following restructuring JPR hopes the festival will resume in 2025.
The iconic Montreal festival was founded in 1983, and has featured comedy heavy hitters like Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld and Amy Schumer.
Challenges brought on by the COVID-19 Pandemic, difficult times in the media and festival industries, inflation, and a changing media landscape were among the reasons the company cited for the recent changes.
The company has laid off 75 staff members, about 70 per cent of its workforce, according to media reports
Together, telecommunications company Bell and Montreal-based event promoter Evenk own 51 per cent of JPR. The other 49 per cent is owned by L.A.-based company Creative Artists Agency.
So what about the popular Toronto edition of the comedy festival, which has been headlined by industry stars like Trevor Noah and Jonathan Van Ness?
Fortunately, the Toronto Just for Laughs festival set for this September has not been cancelled, according to reports.
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Since the announcement, many people have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the cancellation of Just for Laughs 2024, including Montreal’s Mayor Valérie Plante.
Other people are sharing their thoughts on the news. Many are disappointed that the fan-favourite festival won’t be making a comeback this summer.
“This is insane news, F1 + Jazz + and this were the big three events for the summer. This is going to leave a huge hole for the tourist season,” wrote one person on Reddit.
“Why can’t we have nice things? The festival was great, I’ve gone to shows many times and it was always full,” shared one person
Meanwhile, others feel it may be a good opportunity for other festivals.
“Gotta hope something steps in and fills a lot of that gap. A lot of people are ready to come to Montreal and spend money in the summer. Surely someone will take advantage of that,” wrote one Reddit user. “Who knows, maybe it gives some smaller festivals some room to breathe.”
