At the MVAAFF screening of Dave Chappelle: Live in Real Life, the genius comedian’s film about the comedic and musical concerts he put on during the COVID-19 pandemic, a fellow David dropped words of advice for aspiring comedians seeking their spotlight. Special audience guest David Letterman advised, “If you’re not going to be as good as David Chappelle, save the plane fare.”

It’s not a deterrent, but a testament to the genius of Chapelle, who was live and in person to host a screening of his documentary at the 2025 Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. The afternoon event benefited his high school alma mater, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

Comedians need an audience like the rest of us need air. So, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020

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