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And just like that, the International Silent Film Festival is on its 9th year. It happens from Thurs, Aug 27 to Sun, Aug 30 at the Shangri-La Cineplex in Mandaluyong. All screenings are free, on a first come first serve basis.
It’s become a yearly thing to wait not just for the movie lineup of the International Silent Film Festival, but also for the list of musicians and bands that will give life to the silent movies.
This year’s lineup is as stellar and as well rounded as the silent movies. We mean, jazz ensembles alongside indie outfits and rock bands; made us double check if this really were a movie event instead of a music festival. Check it out below!
1. The Executives.
The Executives puts its claim at stake as the oldest amateur band in the country. A group of middle-age executives from different industries, led by Sen. Raul Manglapus formed a band in 1957 as a way to relax. After hours they’d jam and rock it out. Soon, hey were playing at different fundraising events in and out of the country. At the moment, it is a 14-man band headed by Sen. Raul’s son, Francis Manglapus. They are providing music for the opening movie, Orlacs Hands (Austria, 1924).
When: Aug 27, 8pm
2. Kjwan
“Daliri,” “One Look,” “Twlight” are just some of the more popular songs of the Marc Abaya-fronted rock outfit Kjwan. They’re actually a band of buddies who’ve always played together since their high school years at the Ateneo. Kjwan is animating the Philippine entry to this year’s festival, the 1934 John Nelson movie, The Brides of Sulu.
When: Aug 28, 5pm
3. Hidden Nikki
Hidden Nikki is a four-piece band that plays a good contempo mix of jazz and pop. They’re actually a Terno baby, with an album to its name, Found. They’re providing music for four Japanese short comedies that will be shown in succession on Friday. They are Kokushi Muso (Peerless Patriot), Wasei Kenka Tomodachi (Fighting Friends – Japanese Style), Tokkan Kozo (A Straightforward Boy), and Ishikawa Goemon no Hoji (A Buddhist Mass for Goemon Ishikawa).
When: Aug 28, 7:30pm
4. The Royal Thai Navy Ensemble
Thailand is a newcomer to this festival and what a way to make an entrance! It’s sending over no less than its Royal Thai Navy Ensemble to accompany the film The Overture, a movie about the palace musician, Sorn Silapanbanieng. Note, the Royal Thai Navy Ensemble is often assigned to take part in Royal, State and religious ceremonies so yes. Their presence is most flattering!
When: Aug 29, 1pm
5. Big Jazz Balloon
While the Big Jazz Balloon is a new band comprised of young students and alums of the UP College of Music, they’re led by veteran bigwigs. Look here: Jaimar Palispis, the associate director of longstanding Kontragapi is at the helm. For their performance at the Silent Film Fest, they will be led by none other than German musician Pierre Oser. They are playing for the screening of Belin, Die Sinfonie Der Großstadt.
When: Aug 29, 5pm
6. The Dingdong Fiel Trio
Here’s another under-the-radar collective. Dingdong Fiel, in case you haven’t heard, is an award-winning pianist. He graduated in 2007 from the UST Conservatory of Music under the guidance of former Dean, Prof. Erlinda fule. He is joined by Joshua Royeca on bass and Daniel Bartolome on percussions, and will be playing for the screening of the 1922 Spanish movie, Don Juan Tenorio.
When: Aug 29, 7:30pm
7. Ian Lofamia Band
The Ian Lofamia Band is a four-piece blues band that’s making the rounds in the scene. They’re playing the silent comedy Paris Qui Dort, which is already sounding most interesting on our end. Blues, comedy, France? You bet!
When: Aug 30, 3pm
8. The Dawn
Lending their stellar power to the lineup is The Dawn, Philippines’ premiere rock band from the ‘80s. The Dawn’s brand of power rock — distorted guitars, long-ass solos, pounding drums — sounds like the perfect accompaniment to a movie about Pompeii, no? The Dawn is playing for the Italian drama, Gli ultimi giorni di Pompei (The Last Days of Pompeii).
When: Aug 30, 5pm
9. Razorback
Razorback came into prominence in the ‘90s with songs like “Giyang,” “Diwata,” “Payaso,” and more. Together with their fellow Mestizos Wolfgang, they gave 90s Pinoy Rock a good twist of classic rock. It would be interesting how the band will be providing the soundscape to the American romantic movie Sunrise: A song of Two Humans.
When: Aug 30, 7:30pm
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