Sounds of Silents: series of short films
The New Air Fan
(Ventilateur breveté)
France 1911, 3.5'
Director: unknown
Producer: Pathé Frères – Comica
DCP
Source: EYE Filmmuseum
Three cyclists struggle with a sweltering heatwave in a city – it seems like a bad day for a bike ride. Unexpectedly, however, a solution appears: an advertisement for a new, portable fan. The characters are persuaded – they buy the device, install it on their front wheels, and head out on the road. As it will soon turn out, the fan not only provides them with effective cooling but also blows away everything they encounter on the ride...
A humorous comedy where the growing popularity (and mass appeal) of cycling becomes an opportunity to showcase the era’s cinematic tricks.
The nitrate film was found at the Archive Film Agency in England and restored by the Eye Filmmuseum.
By Katarzyna Wajda
Cycle Rider and the Witch
(Heksen og cyclisten)
Denmark 1909, 3’
Director: Viggo Larsen
Cast: Viking Ringheim, Petrine Sonne
Producer: Nordisk Film
DCP
Source: Det Danske Filminstitut
A witch becomes angry with a cyclist and casts a spell on his bicycle, which plays tricks on him.
The film is a stop-motion trick film playfully utilizing the potential of match cuts in the new medium for comedic effects. It is a fun film displaying a wide range of wheeled vehicles, showcasing a deep social interest in developing transportation.
Digitized in 2020 from a 35mm preservation master positive.
By Thomas Christensen
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instagram.com/sounds_of_silents
live music: Mustelide
SATURDAY | SEPTEMBER 20 | 5:00 PM | SALA STOLICA
introduction: Nino Dzandzawa & Siostry Archeo
Translation: ENG / PL / Introduction in the Polish Sign Language
