San Francisco Silent Film Festival

It's coming up soon! July 10 - 12 at San Francisco's Castro Theatre, built in 1922.

Click here to see what's playing. I noticed that several of the films on offer were shown at Pordenone last October. Anyone who wanted to attend Pordenone, but couldn't, has the opportunity to see some of the movies that were shown there.

I think we should have more such festivals. Every capital city should have one, and large countries should scatter them nationwide. Each month should bring another festival, and not just a few movies, but a rich offering of silent-era movies.

(On a side note, while I do appreciate the fact that some filmmakers like to make modern-day short silent films, I never get anything out of watching them at festivals. I prefer to have only vintage films shown, and nothing recent.)

This may be the biggest festival until Pordenone this October. I've never been to it myself, so I can't vouch for it, but the combination of silent films and San Francisco has tremendous appeal.

Silent film festivals

Okay, I've decided to put up a list of silent film festivals worldwide. I want to note that I am not receiving any advertising money for it; I just wanted a comprehensive list of festivals so that fans can find the one closest to their location. I want to state, however, that I am very open to having any festival pay to advertise on this blog; just leave a comment and I'll find it and contact you by email.

I'm listing these festivals in order of the time of year they take place. If anyone would like to see a festival listed here, please contact me with all the necessary details, and a link to the festival's website. The festival dates for 2009 will be given here, subject to updates.

JANUARY

SLAPSTICK 2009
January 22 – 25
Bristol, England

TRADER JOE'S SILENT MOVIE MONDAYS
January/June, 2009
The Paramont Theatre
Seattle, Washington

FEBRUARY

SAN FRANCISCO SILENT FESTIVAL WINTER EVENT
February 14, 2009
One day only.

KANSAS SILENT FILM FESTIVAL
February 27 and 28, 2009
White Concert Hall
Campus of Washburn University
17th and Jewell
Topeka, Kansas

SEPTEMBER

CINECON
September 3 – 7, 2009
Egyptian Theater
Hollywood, California

SILENT FILM FESTIVAL
September 4 – 6, 2009
Deluxe Theatre
Opotiki, New Zealand

THE FALL CINESATION
FILM PRESERVATION FESTIVAL
September 24 – 27, 2009
Lincoln Theatre
Massillon, Ohio

OCTOBER

LE GIORNATE DEL CINEMA MUTO
October 3 – 10, 2009
Pordenone, Italy


I want to state here that there are more festivals out there, but they hadn't updated their websites from last year, so I couldn't find this year's dates. If you want your festival included, just send a comment!