Silent films to dazzle crowds once more

The likes of Charlie Chaplin, Nosferatu and Cecille B Demille will be resurrected over six silent weeks.

Govindas Movie Room in Darlinghurst will be screening the best of silent cinema, in anticipation of the Oz Silent Film Festival in September.

“We at Govindas are excited to be part of Australia’s Silent Film Festival, an event which gives the film loving public the opportunity to see some of the great classics of the silent era on the big screen,” Govindas Owner, Tony Kaye said.

“We look forward to hosting such special, important film events far into the future.”

The screenings, which began on February 11, will showcase films by master directors, Lev Luleshov, Jacques Tourneur and Abel Gance are among the list of greats.

The films, which have been digitally restored will be accompanied by musical soundtracks.

“Silent films still work so well. They can entertain audiences in the same way they did when first released, they’re a part of film heritage” director of the festival, Ronnie Farrah, said.

“They all have great cinematography and a simplicity that modern films can sometimes lack”

As well as Master Directors, Audiences will be entertained by Comedy Kings of the Silent Era who will light up the screen each Sunday.

“When you’re watching a silent film your brain works differently, if you have the patience to really enjoy a silent film, you can take a lot from them,” Mr Farrah said.

“When you think of best of silent era, you talk about films that have stood the test of time, like art in any shape or form.

Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton are, to this day, shown 50 to 60 times all around the world”

Mr Farrah believes the screenings are timely with the popular release of ‘The Artist’, a film that has generated more interest in the silent era.

“’The Artist’ is a movie about the silent era, it’s based on ‘A Star Is Born’, its release has definitely struck a cord” he said.

“Martin Scorsese’s ‘Hugo’ is another example, it pays homage to Georges Méliès, one of the great pioneers of cinema.
“Both ‘Hugo’ and ‘The Artist’ have 21 Academy Award Nominations between them, that in itself is pretty incredible.”
Australia’s Silent Film Festival visits Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle and Mittagong in September 2011.

Govindas Darlinghurst will be screening Master Directors of the Silent Era Tuesdays at 7:30pm from February-March.

Comedy Kings of the Silent era will be shown each sunday 2pm.