25. Silent Film Festival: LOVERS, COMEDIANS, HEROES OF THE SCREEN

25th SILENT FILM FESTIVAL
LOVERS, COMEDIANS, HEROES OF THE SCREEN
December 5-8, 2024
Kino Pod Baranami

The 25th edition of the Silent Film Festival will begin in Kraków on the 5th of December 2024. The Silent Film Festival is the oldest event in Poland presenting the cinematic gems of the silent film era, accompanied by live music. This year's edition celebrates the achievements of outstanding actors such as Rudolph Valentino, John Gilbert, Douglas Fairbanks, Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. The Festival, organized by Fundacja Dla Kina and Kino Pod Baranami, will last until the 8th of December.

In many previous editions of the Festival the audience had a chance to admire the accomplishments of  phenomenal actresses of silent cinema. This year's theme - Lovers, Comedians, Heroes of the Screen - will allow you to rediscover the greatest actors of the pre-sound era.

Lon Chaney, Emil Jannings, Werner Krauss or Conrad Veidt, the big names of silent cinema, brought to life all sorts of characters - from social outcasts and poor unfortunates to truly devious villains.

The charm of Rudolph Valentino, John Gilbert, Mieczysław Cybulski, Ivor Novello and Sessue Hayakawa was truly overpowering, the stunt skills of Douglas Fairbanks and Buster Keaton took everyone's breath away, and the adventures of Charlie Chaplin and Max Linder caused gasps of excitement and fits of laughter.

As always, the films during the Festival will be accompanied by live music. The audience is in for an amazing treat: the band Błysk! will bring in their perfect mix of trance, melancholy and humour, Viva Flamenco! will make you want to dance to their unique combination of traditional and modern flamenco, and Patryk Kraśniewski will put a spell on the whole room with his soothing piano sounds. You will be thrilled with emotions when Tuul takes the stage and amazed by the way in which Jacaszek combines electronically prepared sounds with live instrumentation. Apart from the abovementioned, you can expect many more wonderful musicians: Semi-Invented Trio led by Adrian Konarski, Cenkier/Skwirut duet (jazz, classical music, Polish folk music), Ether Jazz Trio (young Kraków jazz scene, with a hint of minimalism), Maciej Trifonidis/Maja Wlazły/Paweł Gajewski (a handpan trio) and DJ Tomek Szmal (electropunk, industrial and bass). The opening screening will be accompanied by the performance of Hania Derej - a young pianist and composer, who will be joined by a string quartet.

The first two days of the Festival will be held at The Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology. The opening film will be The Last Laugh by Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau, with the amazing Emil Jannings whose acting skills shine equally bright in subtle close-ups and in powerful, expressive scenes.

The Festival program features many familiar productions, along with some lesser-known ones, still waiting to be discovered by a wider audience. Some of the most popular films you will be able to see are: The Kid, a timeless classic and a turning point in Charlie Chaplin's acting career, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (dir. Robert Wiene), an ambitious production with impressive stage design full of distortions, sinister shadows and sharp angles. There is also The Mark of Zorro (dir. Fred Niblo), a film that needs no introduction, with the one and only Douglas Fairbanks - the first actor to portray the famous outlaw.

The 25th Silent Film Festival is also a festival of great film directors, such as Alfred Hitchcock and Erich von Stroheim. Come and see The Lodger, Hitchcock's first commercial success and the first of many films showcasing the director's inimitable style. A hundred years after its premiere, the film is still a breathtaking example of expressionist aesthetics basking in the aura of mystery. For Erich von Stroheim, it was The Merry Widow that granted him real financial success. The director, well-known for his perfectionism and lack of respect for deadlines, created a compelling vision of the upper class world, bristling with money, prestige and emotional turbulence.

The Festival timetable would be incomplete without a few thrilling love stories, taking place in unconventional situations and locations. The Dragon Painter (dir. William Worthington), an American film set in Japan, is a perfect combination of the mystical and romantic vibes with the artistic genius of its creator. The main character is portrayed by Sessue Hayakawa - the very first actor of Asian descent that became a star of American cinema. The Unknown by Tod Browning (the director of the famous Freaks) introduces the audience to the world of circus performers. Leading a turbulent existence, they dream of love and keep dark secrets. A passionate feeling is also at the core of Buster Keaton's comedy - Steamboat Bill, Jr. The film is loosely inspired by a song - Steamboat Bill - and depicts the story of a conflict between tradition and modernity, and a forbidden affair that reunites two feuding families. Beyond the Rocks (dir. Sam Wood), an American melodrama, gives you a unique opportunity (there's only one such production!) of watching the great Rudolph Valentino and Gloria Swanson together on screen.  

Polish cinema will be represented at the Festival by Above the Snow (dir. Konstanty Meglicki), a film adaptation of Stefan Żeromski's drama. The film cast includes Stanisława Wysocka (often referred to as "the next Modrzejewska") , Stefan Jaracz (the creator of Ateneum Theatre) and Mieczysław Cybulski (often portraying the persona of a lover in Polish silent cinema).

A special spot in this year's edition of the Festival belongs to the French actor, Max Linder. The audience will have a chance to watch him in Seven Years Bad Luck, made during Linder's second time in Hollywood. He's also the subject of an intriguing documentary - Life and Deaths of Max Linder - exploring the mysterious and tragic fate of one of the greatest stars of cinema's early years. The screening will be followed by a Q & A with the director, Edward Porembny, conducted by film expert - Paulina Haratyk, Phd.

Sunday morning is reserved for a special event - Baranki Dzieciom - prepared for the youngest Festival participants. Children will be able to watch classic Polish animation  and take part in music workshops led by multi-instrumentalist Urszula Stosio.  

The Festival screenings will take place in two locations: Kino Pod Baranami (Rynek Główny 27) and The Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology (Maria Konopnicka Street 26). The Saturday after party will be held in Klub Betel (Szczepański Square 3).

For those of you who cannot wait for the Festival to begin, there will be a special early screening of Nosferatu. A Symphony of Horror (dir. Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau) taking place on the 2nd of December at Kino Pod Baranami. This version of the film features the original soundtrack by Hans Erdmann, performed by The German Radio Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by Berndt Heller. The screening will be preceded by an introduction from German film expert Ewa Fiuk as a part of the The Greatest Films of All Time programme curated by Fundacja Dla Kina and Kino Pod Baranami.


THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5TH
SCREENINGS AT MANGGHA MUSEUM OF JAPANESE ART AND TECHNOLOGY
(Marii Konopnickiej Street 26)
18.00 THE DRAGON PAINTER | THE DRAGON PAINTER
(William Worthington) US 1919, 61'
Live music: Maciej Trifonidis/Maja Wlazły/Paweł Gajewski

20.30 THE LAST LAUGH | DER LETZTE MANN
(Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau) DE 1924, 90'
Live music: Hania Derej kameralnie z udziałem kwartetu Sonos
Print source: Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung in Wiesbaden
Partner: Goethe-Institut Krakau
 
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6TH
SCREENINGS AT MANGGHA MUSEUM OF JAPANESE ART AND TECHNOLOGY
(Marii Konopnickiej Street 26)
18.00 THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI | DAS CABINET DES DR. CALIGARI
(Robert Wiene) DE 1920, 77'
Live music: Tuul
Print source: Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung in Wiesbaden
Partner: Goethe-Institut Krakau

21.15 THE MARK OF ZORRO | THE MARK OF ZORRO
(Fred Niblo) US 1920, 107'
Live music: Viva Flamenco!

 
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7TH
SCREENINGS AT KINO POD BARANAMI
(Rynek Główny 27)
13.00 LIFE AND DEATHS OF MAX LINDER | LIFE AND DEATHS OF MAX LINDER    
(Edward Porembny) PL/FR 2024, 99'
Sounded documentary
After the screening: Q&A with film director conducted by Paulina Haratyk, Phd
Partner: Institut français en Pologne

16.00 STEAMBOAT BILL, JR. | STEAMBOAT BILL, JR.
(Buster Keaton, Charles Reisner) US 1928, 71'
Live music: Ether Jazz Trio

18.30 BEYOND THE ROCKS | BEYOND THE ROCKS
(Sam Wood) US 1922, 85'
Live music: Cenkier/Skwirut

21.15 SEVEN YEARS BAD LUCK | SEVEN YEARS BAD LUCK
(Max Linder) US 1921, 62'
Live music: Błysk!
Partner: Institut français en Pologne

AFTERPARTY AT  KLUB BETEL
SCREENING AT BETEL CLUB
(Szczepański Square 3)
23.00 ABOVE THE SNOW | PONAD ŚNIEG    
(Konstanty Meglicki) PL 1929, 52'
Live music: Tomek Szmal (DJ set)

 
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8TH
SCREENINGS AT KINO POD BARANAMI
(Rynek Główny 27)
11.00 BARANKI DZIECIOM - KIDS’ SCREENING
Projection of classic Polish cartoon and music workshop
Led by: multi-instrumentalist Urszula Stosio

13.00 THE KID | THE KID
(Charlie Chaplin) US 1921, 53'
Recorded music composed by Charlie Chaplin

14.30 THE MERRY WIDOW | THE MERRY WIDOW
(Erich von Stroheim) US 1925, 124'
Live music: Semi-Invented Trio

18.00 THE UNKNOWN | THE UNKNOWN
(Tod Browning) US 1927, 66'
Live music: Patryk Kraśniewski

20.30 THE LODGER | THE LODGER
(Alfred Hitchcock) GB 1927, 91'
Live music: Jacaszek
Partner: British Film Festival
Media patron: Blondynka Hitchcocka - blog Pauli Apanowicz


TICKETS:
Films with live music: 60 PLN | 55 PLN
Films without live music: 30 PLN
Kids’ screening (Baranki Dzieciom): 18 PLN
Afterparty at Betel Club: free entrance

Entry pass (12 screenings): 300 PLN    

All films presented with Polish and English subtitles.


ABOUT FILMS:
ABOVE THE SNOW | PONAD ŚNIEG    
(Konstanty Meglicki) PL 1929, 52'

The son of the owner of an old manor house falls in love with his beautiful cousin, thus thwarting his mother's plans. The lovers run away, not knowing that war is coming. Starring Stefan Jaracz and Mieczysław Cybulski.


BEYOND THE ROCKS | BEYOND THE ROCKS
(Sam Wood) US 1922, 85'

A story about the love between a young woman and a handsome aristocrat, executed with panache and attention to detail. The film - considered lost for years - starrs Gloria Swanson and Rudolph Valentino, "the greatest lover of the silver screen".


LIFE AND DEATHS OF MAX LINDER | LIFE AND DEATHS OF MAX LINDER    
(Edward Porembny) PL/FR 2024, 99'

A creative documentary about the life of actor, director and producer Max Linder.


SEVEN YEARS BAD LUCK | SEVEN YEARS BAD LUCK
(Max Linder) US 1921, 62'

The French comedian Max Linder in his first American film. A bachelor breaks a mirror and is sure that bad luck is haunting him. A famous mirror scene inspired the Marx Brothers’ film.


STEAMBOAT BILL, JR. | STEAMBOAT BILL, JR.
(Buster Keaton, Charles Reisner) US 1928, 71'

One of the last great roles of the "man with the stone face". Buster Keaton plays the role of a delicate young man who tries to prove his worth to his father, while creating some of the best stunt scenes in the history of cinema.


THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI | DAS CABINET DES DR. CALIGARI
(Robert Wiene) DE 1920, 77'

An allegorical story about the demonic Doctor Caligari and his medium with excellent roles by Werner Krauss and Conrad Veidt. A milestone in the history of horror, a leading representative of German film expressionism.


THE DRAGON PAINTER | THE DRAGON PAINTER
(William Worthington) US 1919, 61'

Considered a madman, an artist believes that his fiancée has been turned into a dragon. Inspired by this, he creates images of dragons. An actor of Japanese descent - Sessue Hayakawa - is the first big Asian star of American cinema.


THE KID | THE KID
(Charlie Chaplin) US 1921, 53'

The first great film success of Charlie Chaplin, who starred here with five-year-old Jack Coogan. A tramp finds an orphaned baby and his life changes forever. A film full of gags, but extremely personal and touching.


THE LAST LAUGH | DER LETZTE MANN
(Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau) DE 1924, 90'

One of the most outstanding films of the German Kammerspiel. Dynamic camera and storytelling through images. A moving tale of a demoted porter who has to switch his elegant livery for the uniform of a hotel toilet attendant. Emil Jannings' great role.


THE LODGER | THE LODGER
(Alfred Hitchcock) GB 1927, 91'

Hitchcock's first success. A man arrives in a London boarding house just as the serial killer "The Avenger" is roaming the city, attacking blonde women. The role of the mysterious stranger was played by Welsh actor and musician Ivor Novello.


THE MARK OF ZORRO | THE MARK OF ZORRO
(Fred Niblo) US 1920, 107'

The first film about an outlaw named Zorro with Douglas Fairbanks. By day - the cowardly son of an aristocrat, by night - in a black disguise - he fights for justice. A great adventure film filled with duels, humour and romance.


THE MERRY WIDOW | THE MERRY WIDOW
(Erich von Stroheim) US 1925, 124'

A visually stunning story of love and intrigue. The biggest hit in the career of von Stroheim, whose directorial talent was ahead of his time. The role of the lover consolidated the star status of John Gilbert, who starred with the great actress Mae Murray.


THE UNKNOWN | THE UNKNOWN
(Tod Browning) US 1927, 66'

A great role of one of the greatest silent film actors, Lon Chaney, called the "man of a thousand faces", who starred alongside Joan Crawford. His character is one of the most interesting villains in cinema.


ABOUT THE MUSICIANS:
Błysk!
Sampler, trumpet and drums. A surprising combination of trance and melancholic music with… good mood.

Cenkier/Skwirut
Two creative instrumentalists on keyboard, double bass and electronics. Combination of jazz, classical and Polish folk music.

Ether Jazz Trio
Young musicians based in Krakow inspired by Polish jazz, traditional music and Scandinavian minimalism.

Hania Derej kameralnie z udziałem kwartetu Sonos
Composer, pianist, arranger and conductor accompanied by a string quartet. Melodic music which stimulates the imagination and carries an emotional message.

Jacaszek
Author and producer of electroacoustic music, mixing electronically prepared sounds with acoustic instruments.

Maciej Trifonidis/Maja Wlazły/Paweł Gajewski
Melodic, rhythmic, yet hypnotic and relaxing sounds by handpan trio.  

Patryk Kraśniewski
Pianist, composer, arranger. Combines neoclassical music with electronic elements and piano arpeggios, creating a calming and reflective sounds.

Semi-Invented Trio
Adrian Konarski, a film and theater composer, who has a recognisable melodic style. He will perform with Sławek Berny (drums) and Leszek Szczerba (saxophone).

Tomek Szmal (DJ set)
Promoter and DJ, co-founder of the NURT festival. Reaches for electro-punk sounds, combined with industrial, bass, breaks and trance.

Tuul
An interdisciplinary project. Lyrical electronic music dominated by emotion, expression and connection with nature.

Viva Flamenco!
A refined blend of traditional and contemporary flamenco, inspired by Indian and Arabic culture and jazz. Guitars and traditional ethnic instruments.



ORGANISERS:
Fundacja Dla Kina
Kino Pod Baranami
 
CO-FOUNDERS:
Miasto Kraków
Ministerstwo Kultury i Dziedzictwa Narodowego
Polski Instytut Sztuki Filmowej

PARTNERS:
Goethe-Institut w Krakowie
Instytut Francuski w Polsce
Klub Betel
Studio Kropka
British Film Festival
Pałac pod Baranami
Stowarzyszenie Kin Studyjnych
Europa Cinemas

MEDIA PATRONS:
Radio Nowy Świat
Radio Kraków
Wyborcza.pl
Kraków Culture Karnet
Krakow.pl
Pełna Sala
Klatki na oczach. Blog Roberta Siwczyka
Typowy Jędrzej - student filmoznawstwa
 

Project co-financed from funds of the City of Krakow.
Subsidized by funds from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage from the Fund for Promotion of Culture.
Co-financed with funds from the Polish Film Institute.