Magdalena Michalec, “Kraków Culture” magazine

Without Words

Is it possible to combine century-old moving pictures with contemporary sounds performed live? The answer is yes, as shown by the Silent Film Festival for the 22nd time! The event is famous for its bold juxtapositions of film and music, and its experimental approach and respect for early cinema. Music comes from a huge range of artists, from classical and jazz musicians all the way to DJs focusing on electronic music.

This year’s leitmotif is EXPRESSION. Screens at Pod Baranami Cinema present the futuristic Woman in the Moon (1929) directed by Fritz Lang, leading artists of German Expressionism. The screening will be accompanied by romantic techno from the SARAPATA duo with guest vocalist Marcela Rybska. Don’t miss the performance by Hania Rani – composer and vocalist working with ambient and contemporary electronic music – with cellist Dobrawa Czocher. They provide music for the 1922 drama The Woman from Nowhere directed by Louis Delluc, one of the greatest representatives of French Impressionist cinema.

As well as fascinating film screenings, the organisers have prepared workshops for adults exploring expression in movement and imagination. There will also be attractions for kids, including their own film screenings and workshops. Let’s get swept up by silent cinema!