10.–
20.
AUG 2023
About the program 23
Stumm
Stummfilmfestival
Open air
Livemusic
arkadenhof Uni Bonn
view the videos
Filmtage

News

The 38th Bonn Summer Cinema - International Silent FilmFestival flew by: We remember a sunny festival with 20 films and the greatestmusical variety the festival has ever had to offer. A fantastic second year ofour new artistic directors Eva Hielscher and Oliver Hanley! We are planning the39th edition of the festival between August 10-20, 2023 in the Arcade Courtyardand online. Until then, we will keep you informed about events with silent filmand live music in our newsletter and on the social media channels, which youcan find further down this page.

Silent Film Festival

For the 39th time, Europe's most popular silent filmfestival will take place in August 2022 in the heart of Bonn. Newly restoredclassics, rediscoveries, exotic rarities. The program brings together popularand unknown titles from the early days of cinema, whose technicalsophistication will amaze. The films are also still convincing today in termsof aesthetics, dramaturgy and acting. The audience ranges from curiousfirst-time visitors to proven film connoisseurs. Professionals mix withenthusiastic hobby cineastes. Young and old, families and groups of friends,couples of all ages, guests who come alone but do not remain lonely in thecourtyard. The event is also a place for meeting and exchange. An annualreunion with like-minded people, an experience for all the senses.

Live Music

The films are accompanied by a selection of renowned musicians from around the world, most of whom have dedicated themselves solely to silent film. As soloists or in small ensembles, they provide the films with sound. The accompaniments vary from composed scores to spontaneous improvisations. Pianos and violins are the classic instruments that accompany silent film. In Bonn, a flute, drums, an oboe and a harp complement the instrumentation. Sometimes a musician plays several instruments during one film. You can find more on the musicians at the festival further down on this page.

Open Air

The films are presented outdoors in the Arkadenhof at the University of Bonn. Nearly 1500 chairs are available for viewers (this year only 500 due to the coronavirus epidemic). In case of rain, there is standing room for several hundred people in the Arkaden walkway. You're well-equipped for the film evenings with a sweater, blanket and umbrella. Every weather condition has its particular charm. Events are free but donations are requested. This means you'll have to be there early some evenings to get a seat. If the courtyard is full, the gate will be closed. You can pass the time waiting for it to get dark, and for the screening to begin, by reading or chatting in the wonderful atmosphere of the Electoral Palace. Bonn's "most beautiful movie theater" has a 100-square-meter screen and 35 mm film projectors that are used in alternation, as well as the latest digital film technology.
Program
August 2023
Stream & Videos
Music

Meg Morley

Playing for her first silent film in 2016, Meg Morley has quickly become one of the UK's pre-eminent silent film accompanists, performing at various international film festivals (including Il Cinema Ritrovato, Netherlands Silent Film Festival, London Film Festival) and plays regularly at the British Film Institute, Southbank, where she is a resident pianist. Her most recent silent film commissions included a collaborative live score with electronic trio Haiku Salut by Flatpack Festival, Birmingham, for People on Sunday and a piano score by Kino Lorber for DVD release of Ernst Lubitsh's The Doll. For more information: megmorleymusic.com

How to find us

Arkadenhof at the University of Bonn (Regina Pacis Weg 1, 53113 Bonn).

Right across the street from the Markt bus stop is the entrance to the courtyard. With the tram/subway, go 5 minutes from the main train station to the main university building and the "Uni/Markt" station. You can park in the surrounding parking garages such as the university garage, or enter the market garage via Stockenstrasse.

Drinks and Snacks

It'sa warm summer evening, the sun is setting over the Baroque university courtyard, and there's a cool drink in your hand. Life is good!

We offer a wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages (Fritz, Aqua con viva), Pilsner and Kölsch beer, and excellent French wines of all kinds. Our snack selection includes high-quality nibbles and organic sweets (also vegan).We request that you refrain from bringing your own drinks to the courtyard. By purchasing snacks and drinks, you actively support the event.

questions and answers
When do the doors open?

Doors open at 7 pm. The best seats are gone quickly! You can enjoy a cold beer or a nice glass of wine at the venue, drinks are sold on-site. Please be aware that we rely on the revenue from selling refreshments.

How much is the entrance fee?

Admission is free for all performances in the Arkadenhof (arcade court). There is no seat reservation for those events. The cost of admission for the sunday events at the LVR-Landesmuseum is 5€ concessions.

What am I allowed / not allowed to take inside?

Bags will be searched at the doors to ensure the safety of all attendees. Sharp objects and all weapons will be seized, as well as bottled drinks. You can bring anything else you like!

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