#CulturePH - ISFFM 2025: Where Classic Films Meet Contemporary Sounds

The International Silent Film Festival Manila (ISFFM) is set to illuminate Shangri-La Plaza’s Red Carpet Cinemas from July 11-13, 2025, with a captivating blend of silent cinema classics and live Filipino music. After years of disruptions, ISFFM has reestablished itself as a unique event that merges film heritage with contemporary sounds, creating a vibrant space for cultural exchange and artistic innovation.

This year's festival features an impressive lineup of films from around the world. Austria’s "The Life of Beethoven" (1927) will be accompanied by HearLife, a group that combines deaf and hearing musicians to interpret Beethoven's story. Italy’s "Fra Diavolo" (1925) will come alive with the bold arrangements of Pepe Manikan’s Progharmonic Orchestra. Spain’s "Gigantes y Cabezudos" (1926) will be enhanced by the adventurous jazz-electronic layers of Psychic Surgeons. Germany’s "Wie Sich Der Kientopp Rächt, Geschichten von Freiheit und Freundschaft, and Aschenputtel" will be reimagined by the duo Ma.Ma., consisting of Joee Mejias and Alyana Cabral. Japan’s "The Scent of Pheasant’s Eye" (1935), a story of intimacy between two women, will be brought to life through sound by Teresa Barrozo, Pat Sarabia, and Mariah Reodica.

The festival's main visual, inspired by "Dalagang Bukid" (1917), the first known Filipino-produced silent film, pays homage to the Philippines’ cinematic origins. The poster features a still image courtesy of the Mowelfund Library & AV Archive and honors Atang Dela Rama, the country’s first National Artist for Theater and the original star of the film.

ISFFM extends beyond film screenings. On July 14, the Japan Foundation Manila will host a special program at the UPFI Film Center, inviting audiences to explore the Japanese tradition of the benshi—live narrators who gave voice to silent films. Nanako Yamauchi, trained under renowned benshi Midori Sawato, will lead a workshop at 10:00 AM, followed by a unique performance during the afternoon screening.

This year’s festival is made possible through the collaboration of the Embassy of Austria, Instituto Cervantes, Japan Foundation Manila, Goethe-Institut Philippinen, and the Philippine Italian Association, along with talented Filipino musicians and filmmakers. ISFFM invites everyone to experience cinema in a way that’s immersive, unexpected, and truly alive.

Pre-registration for all screenings will open soon, with full program details and the festival calendar to follow. Admission is free, with guaranteed walk-in slots available besides pre-registration. Stay tuned to ISFFM’s official social pages for updates on tickets, special features, and highlights from this year’s festival.

For press information and inquiries, please contact: Pearl Audrey Bayoneta External Coordinator pa.bayoneta@gmail.com

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