Silent films from eight different countries, including the Philippines, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain and the United States, accompanied by notable Filipino musicians playing live scores, will be publicly screened from August 30 to September 2 at SM Megamall Cinema as the International Silent Film Festival celebrates its 12th year in bringing a unique experience of watching silent classics from the early decades of the 20th century to local audiences.

Spearheaded by the Goethe-Institut Philippines, the Japan Foundation, Manila and Instituto Cervantes, the 12th International Silent Film Festival (ISFF) tapped local musicians to put score into the films to draw new audiences to participate in the event.

“The ISFF encourages the audiences to really appreciate the history of our filmmaking, the preservation of these films, and giving importance to our cinematic heritage,” said Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairman Liza Diño.

Italy’s entry “Rapsodia Satanica”, directed by Nino Oxilia, tells the story of an ageing Italian aristocrat Dame Alba d’ Oltrevita who discovers a particular and special solution for her beauty by forging a pact with the devil. The film will be accompanied by blues band Miles Experience with a live score.

As for the Philippines’ entry, the FDCP presents “The Lost Film Triology”, which is composed of Filipiniana, a 13-minute experimental clip; Aswang, a 1933 film by George Musser hailed as the Philippines’ first talking film; and Juan Tamad Goes to the Moon, which delves into how Filipino filmmaker Narding Salome Exelsio produced the movie Nagtungo si Juan Tamad sa Buwan. The trilogy’s accompanying music will be provided by the director itself, Khavn and the Kontra-Kino Orchestra, a 33-piece improvisation ensemble.

France’s “La Passion de Jeanne D’Arc”, directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, tells the story of the trial of Joan of Arc with a musical score by the multi-awarded pianist and versatile musician Dingdong Fiel, alongside Andrew Constantino (Clarinet) and Kyongmin Nam (Cello).

Dubbed as the “first true horror film”, Germany’s “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari”, is a 77-minute film from 1920 that tells a story of a mad doctor played by Werner Krauss who uses a somnambulist to commit murders. The film will be live scored by Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino known as “Kontra-GaPi”, an ensemble which plays musical instruments used by indigenous peoples in Southeast Asia.

The 38-minute long entry of Japan’s “A Straightforward Boy” by Yasujiro Ozu centers on the story Bunkichi who kidnaps a boy, Tetsubo, who has an appetite for sweets. The movie will feature film critic Tito Genova Valiente, who will provide a live interpretation of the silent film. The screening and narration will also be musical scored by contemporary pop folk/ethnic band Tanikala Tribe.

Meanwhile, “Our Hospitality” by Buster Keaton and John G. Blystone, a 75-minute American film, revolves around the story of a man who falls for a woman belonging to the family that killed his father. Blues and boogie band The Brass Munkeys will be playing along with the film.

Spain’s musical comedy entry “Frivolinas” by Arturo Carballo is about a comedian who falls for a widower’s daughter. The silent film will be live scored by Tapati, a collaboration of artists with influences of rock, reggae, blues, jazz, pop, folk and Philippine Neo-ethnic tribal music.

Restored by the Austrian Film Archive, “Die Kleine Veronika”, directed by Robert Land, tells the story of Tyrolean mountain girl named Veronika visits her aunt in Vienna, only to find out that the city is not what she has imagined itself to be. The film will be accompanied by avant-pop electronica solo Joee & I.

Moreover, this year’s film festival will also feature an exhibit presenting a visual installation of the participating films at the SM Cinema lobby.

The 12th International Silent Film Festival is made possible in partnership with SM Cinema, SM Cares, Amici, Sunny16 Lab, Cineteca Bologna, Institut Français, Embassy of Japan, Embassy of Spain, Filmoteca Española, Austrian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, HearLife Foundation, Inc., Med El, Fringe Creatives, and the Barista & Coffee Academy of Asia.

For screening schedules and inquiries, visit www.facebook.com/InternationalSilentFilmFestivalManila . All screenings will be open to the public on a first come, first served basis.