The Kenworthy Performing Arts Center will be hosting their third annual Kenworthy Silent Film Festival on Sept. 25-28. Thursday, Sept. 25 will consist of a discussion by Nakia Williamson-Cloud, Gwyn Hervochon, Alessandro Meregaglia and Tom Frank starting at 7 p.m. The discussion will cover “Told in the Hills (1919),” the Kenworthy’s first film restoration project. With 25 minutes of film footage, this Western romance features over 100 Nez Perce actors and shows the 200 photos taken on set while filming.
On Sept. 26 and 27, composer Connor Chee will reveal a new musical score, performed during screenings. In addition, there will also be short films all composed by Isabel Martin, Mallory Hunt and Samuel Cooper and directed by Nell Shipman. The shorts will be shown on Sept. 28 at 1 and 4 p.m.
“We are recreating the whole cinematic experience with a new live score,” said Colin Mannex, the organizer of the event.
The Kenworthy Theatre was originally a silent film house back in 1926. With so many people in the area interested in scoring movies and the history of film, creating this festival was worthwhile.
Mannex believes silent film is important. “I think it’s really great to be reminded of the evolution of cinematic language. There’s a purity there, and I think it has an emotional effect that goes beyond modern cinema in many respects,” he said. Those attending can expect to be exposed to local history and heritage.
Admission is $40 for an all-access pass to every screening or $10 per screening at the door.
Tickets are available for purchase on their website at https://www.kenworthy.org/events-calendar/told-in-the-hills-restoration-premiere/.
Reese Garcia can be reached at [email protected].