SCOTLAND’S silent cinema festival is to celebrate its sixth year with a programme of films from China, the USSR, Germany and the USA as well as the Scottish Screen and BFI National Archive.
The Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema’s has a five day programme this year, and will include Wunder der Scho?pfung, a German documentary from 1925 about the ‘wonders of creation’, with a new score by jazz duo Herschel 36, Stuart Brown and Paul Harrison.
The festival at the Hippodrome cinema in Bo'ness is organised by Falkirk Community Trust with funding from Falkirk Council and Creative
Scotland and runs from March 16 to March 20.
Alison Strauss, director of the festival, said: “HippFest 16 promises our audiences unparalleled experiences – the chance to see rare and recently restored films, the world premiere of new commissions and a just- discovered ending for a Keaton short, revelatory pairings of brilliant musicians and films, and of course the stunning Hippodrome itself – Scotland’s proud, first purpose-built cinema.
"We rejoice in HippFest’s reputation for a warm and welcoming atmosphere and the support and enthusiasm of the town, with local businesses and visitor attractions coming on board to host pop-up events, guided-walks, workshops and the youth engagement programme. Everyone who comes along can be part of the glamour and excitement of our truly unique festival... and we are looking forward to sharing the joy of silent cinema with all comers.”
The festival will open with Earth, a Soviet film from 1930, with a new score by Jane Gardner and Hazel Morrison.
It will close with Stella Dallas – featuring the world premiere of silent film accompanist Stephen Horne’s new composition for piano and harp, which he will perform alongside Elizabeth-Jane Baldry.
International films in the programme will include Polish supergroup Czerwie, performing their score for Mania: The Story of a Cigarette Factory Worker, a 1918 film starring Polish-born star Pola Negri with Chinese actress Li Lili.
Ian Scott, chairman of Falkirk Community Trust, said: “The annual Festival of Silent Cinema at the fabulous Hippodrome is now well established and each year brings a new range of exciting screenings and events that recall the pioneering days of a century ago.
"This year is no different and I have no doubt that HippFest 2016 will once again delight visitors from near and far."
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