Movie buffs and history aficionados alike can soon step back in time at the Newhallywood Silent Film Festival, taking place from February 16 through 18 in Old Town Newhall, Santa Clarita. Celebrating monumental silent films produced in the Santa Clarita Valley, the festival honors the legacies of Hollywood icons Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Thomas Ince with a series of screenings that resurrect the golden age of cinema.
The event will officially kick off Friday night at The Newhall Family Theatre for the Performing Arts with Fairbanks' pioneering "The Mark of Zorro," followed later by a chilling program titled "Silent Screams" that includes the 100th-anniversary screening of "Waxworks" - which promises, in no uncertain terms, to altogether creep out attendees at The MAIN. As reported by the City of Santa Clarita's news blog, the festival not only showcases these historic works but commemorates anniversaries for three timeless features, solidifying the big-screen legends' place in film history.
For those looking to dive deeper, Saturday offers "BusTour" Keaton – a can’t-miss, guided expedition to various historical Hollywood locations, shining the spotlight on the silent era's hallowed grounds where Fairbanks and Ince crafted their magic. The tour, which is $60 a pop, includes a midday meal, but you’ll need to wear comfortable shoes because there's some walking involved. The Newhall Family Theatre then invites guests to enjoy the afternoon with another Fairbanks classic, "Robin Hood," and in the evening, attendees will witness Fairbanks' induction into the Newhallywood Hall of Fame followed by the centenary celebration of his film "Thief of Bagdad."
Sunday’s lineup at the Newhall Family Theatre rolls out the red carpet for Thomas Ince with screenings such as "The Cat's Meow" and a triple-feature including "The Ruse" and "Hell's Hinges," culminating with Ince's induction into the Newhallywood Hall of Fame and wrapping up with a showcase of "Civilization." These screenings are bound to captivate audiences just as they did nearly a century ago, proving that true cinematic art is timeless. To catch all the details, be sure to check the complete roster of offerings at the festival's website.
