Frequently asked questions about silent films are “what is its relevance?” and “are there still silent movies to this day?”
The International Silent Film Festival (ISFF) Manila, the first and oldest silent film festival in Southeast Asia, and a collaboration among several organizations in the country, including the Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) addresses these questions.
For those who may not know, a silent film is a motion picture with no synchronized recorded sound, particularly, no audible dialogue. A misnomer, silent movies are accompanied by live sounds, usually a pianist or a small orchestra playing sheet music or improvisation.
With shows like Game of Thrones that took over television, series like the Squid Game reigning over the online streaming world, and the Avengers: Endgame dominating the box office, learning about film history has become more significant these days. Among the earliest iterations of film began in a circus tent, where the Arrival of a Train (1895), a 50-second silent film, terrified viewers, prompting various changes and innovations in entertainment. This gave rise to the era of silent films, which spanned over three decades, prior to “talkies” or the movies with sounds that we enjoy today.
During the silent era, filmmakers did not have as much resources or the technological development of modern cinema. All they had was creativity. Silent films were the embodiment of the rule “show, don't tell.”
Recently, the “International Silent Film Festival Manila 2021: The Silence Still Roars at 15!”was held at the newly renovated Manila Metropolitan Theater (MET), Manila’s architectural Art Deco gem built in the middle of the Philippine silent era. During the invitational opening ceremony, the host Japan Foundation, Manila, screened Orochi (Serpent), a 1925 action film by Futagawa Buntarō live scored by the Munimuni band—a cine-concert a la pre-COVID style, in-person but following strict health restrictions.
Silent films were the embodiment of the rule 'show, don't tell.'
The rest of the program includes screenings and international round table webinars accessible online until Dec. 3. Faithful to the essence of the event, all silent films will be scored with original music exclusively composed and performed by local bands and musicians.
The Instituto Cervantes screened Carceleras (José Buchs, 1922), followed by a panel discussion that explored the topic How To Watch A Silent Movie, which featured speakers presented by Spain, Italy, and Japan. The Philippine-Italian Association capped the day with the screening of Pinocchio (1911) directed by Giulio Antamoro.
The next day, Friday, the British Council in the Philippines screened Dr. Wise on Influenza (1919) commissioned by the Ministry of Health. The day’s discussion was Restoration and Reinventions in Film Archives presented by speakers from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the Philippines. Goethe-Institut Philippinen concluded the second day with the screening of Das Wachsfigurenkabinett / The Waxworks (1924) directed by Paul Leni and Leo Birinski.
Shown on Nov. 27 by the embassy of France was The Foreman. A masterclass that explores the History of Silent Films in the Philippines by speakers from the Philippines was also convened. The Japan Foundation, Manila, closed the third day with the screening of Orochi (Serpent) (1925) directed by Futagawa Buntarō.
All of these films are available “On-Demand” on the FDCP Channel until Nov. 30.
The first three days of December will be dedicated to the screening of the nine short films produced with the very first edition of FDCP’s “Mit Out Sound International Silent Film Competition,” where nine local filmmakers each partnered with a film composer to produce short silent films that would represent the Philippines in this year's ISFF. These are the shorts that made the cut and their filmmakers.
Ang Tatlong Hambog by Sari Katharyn
Ing Tianak by EJ Gagui and Marienel Calma
Alingasngas Ng Mga Kuliglig by Vahn Leinard C. Pascual
Ang Pagsuyo sa Paru-Paro ng Gabi by Racquel De Guzman Morilla
Dikit by Gabriela Serrano
Ha-Ha-Hambog by Kate Torralba and Jopie Sanchez
I Need More Than Tofu and Other Vegetables by Hector Barretto Calma
Ang Pagdadalaga Ng Dalagang Bukid by Jose Carlos Soliongco
Putol (The Cut) by Nikolas Red
The festival will culminate with a closing night and an awarding ceremony for the best productions of Mit Out Sound.
ISFF2021 is organized by the Japan Foundation, Manila, the Philippine Italian Association, Instituto Cervantes de Manila, the Goethe-Institut, the British Council in the Philippines, the Embassy of France, and the FDCP, in partnership with the embassies of Italy, Japan, Spain, as well as the MET, the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Ortigas Cinemas, Absolut Mediem, Cineteca di Milano, CNC, Alliance Française, BFI, Filmoteca Española, and Matsuda Film Productions.
For more information check the Facebook Page @InternationalSilentFilmFestivalManila