The Halloween Student Silent Film Festival (SSFF) is an exciting film competition that challenges high school students in the area to create captivating silent movies. Distinguishing itself from other film contests, this event focuses on storytelling through purely visual means, without the use of voices or sound effects.

The Festival takes placer on October 18, 2023, at the historic Tivoli Theatre, located at 5021 Highland Avenue in Downers Grove. Before the main event, don’t miss the Spooky Red Carpet Social Hour from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. This special prelude features a screening of classic Halloween-themed silent films, setting the eerie tone for the night.

Ed Newmann, one of the three visionary founders of the festival, offers insight into this year’s theme: “Our aim is to create an exceptionally unsettling atmosphere that welcomes elements of horror, suspense, and pure creepiness. However, students are also encouraged to explore the lighter side of Halloween with comedic twists. We hope to see their imaginations run wild, resulting in spine-tingling cinematic creations.”

Adding a magical touch to each film, Derek Berg, a professional pianist and the CEO of the Clarendon Hills Music Academy, will provide live musical accompaniment during the screenings. Following the awards ceremony, the three winning films will be showcased once more, accompanied by an original musical score, enhancing the overall experience.

Bill Allan, another co-founder of the festival, encapsulates the event’s spirit: “The festival is not only a celebration of silent cinema as an art form but also a unique educational opportunity for young filmmakers of today. It’s a chance for them to discover and appreciate the techniques and achievements of pioneering motion picture artists from the early days of filmmaking.”

The Halloween Student Silent Film Festival promises to be a hauntingly unforgettable evening, uniting the rich tradition of silent cinema with the creativity of the next generation of filmmakers.

Find out more, here.

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