LMAO

In the bleak midwinter, otherwise known as the end of January, there is a little ray of light that descends upon the capital, bringing sunshine to those who venture out to find it. This is LOCO London, a film festival that presents the world's best funny films across one long weekend.

Perhaps the biggest feature on the bill is Movie 43, a new offering by the Farrelly Brothers. The sketch comedy includes (deep breath) Halle Berry (pictured, right), Richard Gere, Naomi Watts, Kate Winslet, Emma Stone, Hugh Jackman, Stephen Merchant and Uma Thurman.

I Give It A Year is a rom-com following a couple in their first year of marriage, and boasts a strong cast (Rafe Spall, Rose Byrne, Stephen Merchant and Olivia Colman). Attendees to the premiere will be invited to turn up in their wedding best for a reception afterwards.

There will also be an Ephrathon - or celebration of the work of Nora Ephron - with her films Sleepless in Seattle, Heartburn and Julie and Julia being shown at the Lexi Cinema in Kensal Rise.

LOCO's mission is to kick-start the next generation of British-based comedy film-makers, and with a bright, brilliant four-day film festival at the start of the year (not to mention the workshops, courses and programmes they provide the rest of the time), we can rest assured that the UK's ability of maintaining our reputation as the best comedy producers in the world is being defended.

LOCO LONDON takes place 24-27 January at various venues, including BFI Southbank. For more information and tickets, visit the festival website.

This story was published in January 2013.