We are excited to kick off this Saturday, December 6th, with a screening of Behind the Door (1919), directed by Irvin Willat and featuring silent film legends Hobart Bosworth, Jane Novak, and Wallace Beery. This gripping tale revolves around themes of rape, murder, and revenge. It has been newly restored by the San Francisco Film Preserve and the San Francisco Film Festival, who generously provided us with a restored print of the film, for which we are immensely thankful! Pordenone Film Festival director Jay Weissberg remarked that Behind the Door's reputation as a shocking film, regardless of the era, is entirely warranted.

Live piano accompaniment

by Mila Maia.

*****

IMDb RATING: 7.2/10

On December 13, we will showcase The Penalty (1920), featuring the remarkable silent film actor Lon Chaney and directed by Wallace Worsley. Chaney's portrayal of Blizzard, the kingpin of the San Francisco underworld, showcases the depth and humanity he brings to even the most villainous characters. This deformed criminal mastermind plots to rob the city of San Francisco while seeking revenge on the doctor who mistakenly amputated his legs.

Live piano accompaniment

by Mila Maia.

*****

IMDb RATING: 7.3/10

ROTTEN TOMATOES: 83%

The best way to celebrate Christmas with your loved ones is by visiting the Silent Cinema in Galway City's Westend. Here, you can enjoy classic comedies while listening to live piano music by Agustina Taborda, all while savoring a glass of wine. Join us on December 20th for screenings of The Kid Reporter (1923), A Dumb Romeo (1926), and The Adventurer (1917). We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the San Francisco Film Preserve for supplying us with restored versions of the first two films of te night!

Live piano accompaniment

by Agustina Taborda.

*****

IMDb RATING: 6.6 & 6.9 & 7.3/10

ROTTEN TOMATOES: 72%

We will wrap up our December program for 2025 with a unique twist. We invite all adults to The Roaring Twenties Show! The evening will feature screenings of some of the earliest adult-only films, thrilling stage performances, and an afterparty that will be unlike anything County Galway has ever experienced. Stay tuned for more details. Tickets are available now!

Live piano accompaniment

by our resident pianist and other musicians.

*****

OUR RATING: 69/69

The Ireland`s first Silent Film Festival in Galway City, has come to a close. We can proudly declare that we did it! The audience was fantastic – a heartfelt thank you to all of you, wonderful people! The amazing films were enhanced by live musical performances from our talented local musicians. Mila, Michael, Agustina, Mia, Desiree, Thomas, Antonis, and Brandon – we appreciate you! A big thank you also goes to Massimo's, The Blue Note, Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, and St. Nicholas Church for your collaboration and for allowing us to use your spaces. Ashley – your work on the video animation was incredible, you are truly amazing! Harry and Greg – we are grateful for the audio and video recording. Malachy at Massimo's, Galway's Westend, This is Galway, and everyone who participated in the Silent Cinema and Cinephile Paradiso from the start – thank you! We also extend our gratitude to our sponsors and friends. Lastly, a huge shout out to the Galway City Council's Arts Office for your trust!

*****

^{OUR RATING: 10/10}

Silent Cinema won the Irish Hospitality Awards 2024 in the Best Independent Cinema Experience category!
Our heartfelt thanks go out to all our fans, friends, and artists who have collaborated with us. Your contributions have been invaluable in achieving this victory!
If you have not yet been to Silent Cinema, we would like to invite you to enjoy a silent film with live piano accompaniment.

Keep informed by checking our website, signing up for our newsletter, and connecting with us on social media.

*****

^{OUR RATING: 10/10}