Live Screening of Silent Films Projected at Motomachi Movie Theater in Kobe, Keaton Films

　SILENT FILM LIVE,” a live screening project of silent films with sound added by piano improvisation, will be held from July 22 at Motomachi Movie Theater (4 Motomachi Dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe; tel 078-366-2636 ), a mini-theater in Motomachi Shopping Arcade 4-chome, Kobe.

Activity photo benshi Kumiko Omori

　The project began in March 2018 (Heisei 30) and will be held for the 20th time this year. Up to now, Ryo Torikai, a musician specializing in silent films, has been showing a variety of films with improvisational performances to convey the appeal of silent films to a wider audience.

　Since 2021, the “Summer Vacation Movie Theater,” a joint project by seven community cinema groups from elementary to high school and university students, has also been held annually as part of the program to encourage children (elementary to high school students and university students) to enjoy movie theaters during their summer vacation.

　Mirai Takahashi, a staff member of the cinema, says, “We will feature Buster Keaton, a superstar of the silent era and one of the three great comedy kings, in two programs this year as an opportunity for children as well as adults to discover new ways to enjoy movies.

　Until the 28th, “Keaton’s Great Train Chase,” “The Three Villains,” and “The Cat and the Canary” will be screened daily with piano accompaniment by Mr. Torikai. After the screening, Mr. Torikai will give a commentary talk. Screening time is from 3:10 pm. Admission is 2,000 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for students, 1,500 yen for those aged 60 and over, etc.

　On the 30th, as part of the “Summer Vacation Movie Theater 2023,” “Keaton the Fistfighter,” “Nuisance Hat,” and “What’s Katsuben” will be screened with piano accompaniment by Torikai-san and katsuben by Kumiko Omori, an activity photo benshi. Screening time is from 1:30 pm. Prices are as follows: high school students and younger = 500 yen, parent-child set discount (one adult + one high school student or younger) = 1,500 yen, general public = 1,500 yen, students = 1,000 yen, 60 years old and older = 1,200 yen.

　SILENT FILM LIVE” will run through July 28.