Intuitive Pictures and Aconite Productions are thrilled to announce the premiere of their feature documentary ‘The MAD World of Harvey Kurtzman’ at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on Sunday 16th of August.

Directed by Bart Simpson (The Corporation, Moebius Redux: A Life in Pictures, Brasília: Life After Design), and Executive Produced by iconic filmmaker Terry Gilliam, the film explores the extraordinary life and legacy of MAD magazine creator Harvey Kurtzman, revealing how he transformed comics, satire, and popular culture forever. The film is also in competition for the The Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence.

The film is produced by Ina Fichman and Aimara Reques, with financial support from Telefilm Canada, Screen Scotland and BFI/UK Global Screen Fund.

Executive Producer Terry Gilliam said:

“When Mad Comics came out, it completely changed my view of the world. Because it was the first time I was dealing with humour in a way I'd never experienced before, and the idea of parody was something I didn't even know of. It was the beginning of my fascination with Harvey Kurtzman. He was the god ultimately for me. By the time I got to college. I would practically worship him. My films have always been about what my version of reality is, or what it seems to be, and I keep wanting them all to be grounded in reality. They may become surreal, they may become silly, but the reality is the central to it, and that all comes from Harvey’’

Director Bart Simpson said:

“Harvey’s comics scared me when I was young. His warping of the idealized life I saw on TV felt funny but forbidden at the same time. Diving deep into the textures of his personal archives allowed us to have Harvey tell his story, and helped us build the visual and musical environment that captured the awkward, cheeky and daring attitude that leaps from his pages. We are challenged every day by the threats of unchecked power and endless media distractions. The fact that Harvey’s work invites us to step back and laugh at the world we’ve created is a gift…and the start of a conversation.”

Link to information about the event and additional screenings below:

 Date: Sunday 16th August at 3 PM

 Location: Filmhouse Screen 1

 Tickets: LINK HERE

See you at the cinema!