Rising to fame amid the 1980s alternative comedy boom, Ian Cognito was one of the UK's most popular comedians. So dedicated was Cognito to his work, that he literally died on stage. His performances left audiences in complete hysterics - but behind the laughter was a troubled and often controversial figure. This is the story of the comedy scene that nurtured a comedic genius, and the real life of a man famed for his outlandish sense of humour.


Festivals

Award Winner at Royal Society of Television & Motion Picture 2021
Award Winner at LA Indies 2021
Award Winner at Calcutta International Cult Film Festival 2021
Award Winner at Miami Indie Film Awards 2021

Semi Finalist in AltFF Alternative Film Festival 2021
Semi Finalist in Hong Kong Indie Film Festival 2021

Official Selection in Cannes International Cinema Film Festival 2021
Official Selection at London Movie Awards 2022
Official Selection in Montreal Independent Film Festival 2021

Nominee at Crystal Palace International Film Festival 2022

"Cognito puts them all in the shade. If you want to know what’s wrong with New Britain, Ian Cognito’s going to tell you. And if you don’t, you’d be advised to keep your mouth shut. Just stunning." - The Guardian

"a must for anyone with the slightest interest in stand-up history" - Beyond The Joke

"In a nifty film-making technique, Bor and Ward have the comics all share their most outrageous Cognito anecdotes but reduce them just to their punchlines" - Chortle

"A raging bull goaded by a flaming sense of injustice" - The Independent

"Probably the most talented stand-up that you’ve never heard of… ..clever songs and an unrelenting wave of perhaps the funniest jokes you’re likely to hear" - The Skinny

"This is controlled anarchy from Cognito. An old master at work." - Fest