Catch Bullet Dumas LIVE for free at the screening of Yasujiro Ozu’s THE LADY AND THE BEARD (1931) at the RED CARPET cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall, Nov. 26 at 8pm. The 16th International Silent Film Festival will also have free talks and open forum with musicians and film experts along with screenings until November 27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Written and photographed
By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista
The event that showcases the best classic silent movies and talented Filipino musicians is very much back with a vengeance. Silent film legend Yasujiro Ozu’s THE LADY AND THE BEARD (1931) will be accompanied by Bullet Dumas, the original vampire film that started it all NOSFERATU: A SYMPHONY OF HORROR (1932) is soundtracked by THE BROCKAS among others. This year marks the 100th year anniversary of the revered NOSFERATU original.
Catch Bullet Dumas LIVE for free at the screening of Yasujiro Ozu’s THE LADY AND THE BEARD (1931) at the RED CARPET cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall, Nov. 26 at 8pm. The 16th International Silent Film Festival will also have free talks and open forum with musicians and film experts along with screenings until November 27, 2022.
Catch the films for free with LIVE musical performances at Shang Plaza Mall’s RED CARPET Cinemas from November 24-27, 2022 as part of the 16th International Silent Film Festival. Don’t forget to register online for your seats here: https://bit.ly/FilmScreeningsRegistration2022
3rd from right: Italian Amb Marc Clemente, from left: Inst Cervantes Cultural Manager Jose Fons Guardiola, Alessandro Milani, Madame Maria Rosaria Brizi-Clemente, Shang Rila Plaza Head of Operations Johnny Rios and Japan Foundation Director Ben Suzuki. Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
This year organizers have added more activities. Talking engagements by film, music experts and academics will also be held. Among them Nigel Humberstone co-founder of Sensoria Film and Music Festival, Miranda Reason, Film Restorer of the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau Foundation, Andrea Meneghelli, Curator, Fondazione Cineteca Di Bologna and Carlos Valmaseda, Head of Library Instituto Cervantes – Nov. 25 at 3pm.
Participating musicians will have a roundtable discussion with their experiences on scoring, – November 26 at 3pm. Don Gervin Arawan, Head, Philippine Archive, Jeffrey Sonora, VP, FPJ Productions and Nick De Ocampo, Filmmaker and Historian – November 27 at 1pm. The talking engagements are also free and open to the public.
From right: British Council Country Dir. Lotus Postrada with Julia Yabes (percussion/flute), Domini Robledo (guitars) and Coeli San Luis (vocals / cello) of ANAHATA. Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Grand Opening
ANAHATA kicked things off with a successful performance for UK’s PICCADILY (1929).
The full list includes: Germany’s NOSFERATU: A SYMPHONY OF HORROR (1932) with THE BROCKAS (Nov 25 at 5pm), France’s LA SULTANE DE L’AMOUR with BRASS PAS PAS PAS PAS (Nov 25 at 8pm). Spain’s MALVALOCA (1926) with TALAHIB PEOPLE’S MUSIC (Nov 26 at 5pm).
2nd from left: Italian Amb Marco Clemente, from left: Shang Rila Plaza Head of Operations Johnny Rios, French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal, Goethe Inst Deputy Dir. & Head of Language Dept. Jens Rösler, Inst Cervantes Cultural Manager Jose Fons Guardiola, FDCP’s Marian Torres, PIA GM Alessandro Milani and Japan Foundation Manila Dir. Ben Suzuki. Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Japan’s THE LADY AND THE BEARD (1931) with Bullet Dumas (Nov 26 at 8pm), Italy’s I FIGLI DI NESSUNO with Pepe Manikan (Nov 27 at 3pm) and Philippines’ ALINGASNGAS NG MGA KULIGLIG, DIKIT and ING TIANAK (2021) (Nov 27 at 8pm).
The opening ceremony for the 16th International Silent Film Festival was held at the Grand Atrium of Shang Rila Plaza Mall last November 24, 2022.
Center: Italian Amb Marco Clemente, from left: Shang Rila Plaza Head of Operations Johnny Rios and French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal. Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Top envoys and head of Cultural organizations attended the grand opening: Italian Ambassador Marco Clemente, Shang Rila Plaza Head of Operations Johnny Rios, Goethe Institut Philipinen Deputy Dir. & Head of Language Dept. Jens Rösler, French Cultural and Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal, Instituto Cervantes Cultural Manager Jose Fons Guardiola, Japan Foundation Manila Director Ben Suzuki and British Council of the Philippines Country Director Lotus Postrada.
Hiatus
Shang Rila Plaza Head of Operations Johnny Rios said, “ For the past two years our only exposure to the world of cinema were on our laptops and our phones. Thanks to technological advances cinema has evolved to match our modern lives. But tonight is different and special. We want to go back to the roots of cinema. This fest will feature unforgettable cinematic experiences over the years.”
Shang Rila Plaza Head of Operations Johnny Rios; Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
“As an avid supporter of the arts, Shang rila Plaza is elated to host the 16th International Silent film festival after a two year break. For this edition, this festival will be showcasing silent films from seven countries. All of them have in one way or another contributed to the art of film making. And in some cases influenced artists to this day.”
French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal; Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Film as Cultural Exchange
French Cultural and Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal talked about how cinema facilitates cultural exchange between the countries, “Two key points are return to the big screen and the collaboration with Filipino musicians. This is the cultural exchange that is taking place. We are bringing films from all over the world. I’d like to reiterate that France invented cinema in 1886. So we are showing the origins of the silver screen. Which is a medium of expression that is very popular in the Philippines. Because talented filmmakers are being recognized in festivals in countries who are part of this festival. We all know throughout the year Filipino filmmakers have been traveling the world to show their work. Let us now enjoy the different movies that will be showing the next few days. To enjoy and appreciate the film and cultural heritage of the different countries. Merci Beaucop!”
Grazie Alessandro Milani!
Instituto Cervantes Cultural Manager Jose Fons Guardiola made note of the departure of Alessandro Milani, PIA (Philippine Italian Association) General Manager. Fons credited Milani is a long time organizer of the International Silent Film fest, “This is the only festival in Asia that combines music and cinema. Vintage cinema and live Filipino musical talent, we are mixing that with contemporary culture. The combination is fantastic. This is a festival started by a group of friends. One of those people who have been with us for years is leaving and this is his last festival here. I would like to say to Alessandro Molto Grazie! Maraming Salamat.” Milani was also recently nominated for the Italian Executive of the Year given by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.
PIA family from left: Emmanuelle Andaya, Alessandro Milani, Cristina Moricca and PIA GM Giunell Flores. Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
The 16th International Silent Film Festival is presented by:
Ambassade De France Aux Philippines et an Micronesie (The French Embassy), Goethe Institut Philipinen, Embassy of Italy Manila, Japan Foundation Manila, Film Development Council of the Philippines, Instituto Cervantes Manila, British Council. In partnership with: Shangri La Plaza Mall, RED CARPET Cinemas, Philippine Italian Association, Embassy of Japan, Embajada De España en Filipinas (Spanish Embassy)
Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (16)
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , https://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
2nd from left: Italian Amb Marco Clemente, from left: Shang Rila Plaza Head of Operations Johnny Rios, FDCP’s Marian Torres, French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal, Goethe Inst Deputy Dir. & Head of Language Dept. Jens Rösler, Inst Cervantes Cultural Manager Jose Fons Guardiola and Japan Foundation Manila Dir. Ben Suzuki. Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Catch Bullet Dumas LIVE for free at the screening of Yasujiro Ozu’s THE LADY AND THE BEARD (1931) at the RED CARPET cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall, Nov. 26 at 8pm. The 16th International Silent Film Festival will also have free talks and open forum with musicians and film experts along with screenings until November 27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
From left: Metropolitan Theater Media Relations Charlotte Job Despuez, Philip Paraan, Lighting Designer Katsch Katoy and Susan Claire Agbayani. Catch LIVE bands and free screenings at the 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (19)
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , https://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
From left: Inst Cervantes Cultural Manager Jose Fons Guardiola, Shang Rila Plaza Head of Operations Johnny Rios, French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal and Alessandro Milani. Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
ANAHATA Guitarist Domini Robledo scored for PICADILLY. Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
From left: Claire Agbayani, Cristina Moricca and Roland Samson. Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (22)
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , https://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , https://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
Host Lia Salvador of SPARKLE GMA Artist Center; Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (25)
Goethe Inst group from left: Charlene Batulan, Angela Sonico, Grace Torres and French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal. Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , https://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , https://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
From left: Inst Cervantes Chief Librarian Carlos Valmaseda, Alessandro Milani, PIA GM Giunell Flores, Inst Cervantes Cultural Manager Jose Fons Guardiola and French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal. Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (30)
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , https://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
Goethe Inst Deputy Dir. & Head of Language Dept. Jens Rösler; Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
ANAHATA from right: Domini Robledo (guitars), Coeli San Luis (vocals / cello) and Yuna Reguerra (Bass) scored for PICADILLY. Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , https://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
Host Lia Salvador of tSPARKLE GMA Artist Center and French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal. Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Metropolitan Theater Media Relations Charlotte Job Despuez and Lighting Designer Katsch Katoy. Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , https://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
From left: PIA GM Giunell Flores, Cristina Moricca Shang Plaza Mktg Mgr Mimi Tecson. Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , https://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,
http://judebautista.wordpress.com/
From left: Goethe Inst Deputy Dir. & Head of Language Dept. Jens Rösler and Alessandro Milani. Watch free screenings with LIVE bands at 16th International Silent Film Festival, Shangri La Plaza Mall, running from Nov 24-27, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista
Food for thought by Writer / photographer Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista 