Rare Cinematic Gems Shine at MoMA’s Film Preservation Festival

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As a lifelong cinephile who has spent countless hours hunched over worn-out DVDs and grainy YouTube clips, I can confidently say that this year’s To Save and Project film festival at the Museum of Modern Art is a cinematic dream come true. The lineup of over 25 restored and preserved films from around the world is nothing short of breathtaking, with masterpieces like Frank Borzage’s 7th Heaven (1927) and Charlie Chaplin’s Shoulder Arms (1918) gracing the big screen once more.

Having attended the festival for several years now, I can attest to its unparalleled ability to bring new life to timeless classics, offering a treasure trove of cinematic delights that I never thought I’d be able to witness in their full glory. From Anthony Mann’s epic western Bend of the River (1952) to James Bidgood’s Pink Narcissus (1971), the program is a veritable smorgasbord of visual and auditory delights that will surely leave audiences spellbound.

As someone who has spent countless hours poring over film restoration projects, I can appreciate the immense amount of work that goes into bringing these films back to their former glory. The live piano accompaniment for silent films like Robert Wiene’s Raskolnikow (1923) is a particularly exciting addition, as it allows audiences to experience these films as they were intended to be seen – with the music and visuals working in perfect harmony.

The festival’s commitment to preserving audiovisual heritage for generations to come is something that resonates deeply with me, as I know all too well the heartbreak of losing access to films that have played such a significant role in my life. So if you’re a film lover like myself, I can’t recommend the To Save and Project film festival enough – it’s an experience that is truly not to be missed!

Oh, and as a bonus joke for all you film buffs out there: Why did the filmmaker go to the Museum of Modern Art? Because they heard they had a great collection of reels!

The To Save and Project film festival makes its comeback at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) for its 21st installment, revitalizing timeless classics by presenting more than 25 films that have been freshly restored and preserved. From January 9 to 30, this annual event showcases a wealth of cinematic gems from film archives worldwide.

This year’s festival will kick off and conclude with the debut of Frank Borzage’s restored silent classic 7th Heaven (1927) and a rebuilt version of Charlie Chaplin’s comedy film Shoulder Arms (1918). The lineup will also include notable films like Anthony Mann’s western epic Bend of the River (1952), James Bidgood’s cult film Pink Narcissus (1971), and Anthony Harvey’s adaptation of Amiri Baraka’s play Dutchman (1966). Other highlights include international treasures such as Vichit Kounavudhi’s marital drama Dear Wife (1978) and Oussama Mohammad’s Stars in Broad Daylight (1988), which offers a glimpse into life in a Syrian village. Silent films, including Robert Wiene’s Raskolnikov (1923), will be accompanied by live piano performances.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve been part of the evolution since 2003 of this incredible festival that’s like a gaming arcade for cinephiles! It’s my go-to spot to witness cinematic masterpieces from their collection, ensuring these priceless audiovisual treasures are passed down to future generations. Head over to MoMA’s site to get all the details about the program and ticket info!

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2025-01-02 20:26