AMERICAN EXPRESS MAKES MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO
THE SYRACUSE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
TO SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL HERITAGE SERIES OF SILENT FILMS
The Syracuse International Film Festival mark its 5th Anniversary year April 25 - May 4. In addition to screening over 120 films from around the world, the festival has created special programs to highlight important classic films from the silent era.
Since 2005, the Syracuse International Film Festival has collaborated with the Society for New Music and the Syracuse Jazz Arts Foundation to feature classic silent films and original music compositions performed live, giving a fresh perspective and rediscovery of these silent classics.
This year, American Express has recognized these special programs and the festival’s commitment to preserve and enrich our diverse cultural heritage, by awarding the festival a special grant. The $25,000 award will create the American Express Heritage Series, Great Classics Rediscovered and Reinvented.
"American Express is happy to support the Syracuse International Film Festival American Express Heritage Series, Great Classics Rediscovered and Reinvented, as part of the company's commitment to preserving cultural heritage," said John Stepien, Manager, Account Development, American Express. "Cultural and arts programs play a powerful role in inspiring creativity, celebrating diversity and supporting local communities."
The two programs of the American Express Heritage Series include:
Saturday, April 26th, 7pm at the Everson Museum
In collaboration with Neva Pilgrim and the Society For New Music and with music performed by members of the Society and these classic silent films will be featured:
Un Chien Andalou by Luis Buñuel (1927) Spain, 16 minutes, surrealism
Original music score written by Martin Matalon (Argentina)
Las Hurdes by Luis Buñuel (1933) Spain, 30 minutes, surrealistic documentary
Original music score written by Martin Matalon (Argentina)
Woman of Tokyo by Yasujiro Ozu (1933) Japan, 47 minutes, fiction
Original music score written by Wayne Horvitz (USA)
Saturday, May 3rd, 7pm at the Palace Theater
In collaboration with Larry Luttinger and the CNY Jazz Arts Foundation:
Battle of the Sexes by DW Griffith, one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.
(1928) 88 minutes (USA) fiction
Original score composed by Cuong Vu and performed by the Cuong Vu Trio
Tickets can be purchased at the following locations:
Emerald City Video, 3208 Erie Blvd East
Sound Garden, 124 Walton St.
SYRFILM FEST Box Office, 500 South Warren Street (Hotel Syracuse)
or by calling the festival headquarters: 315-443-8826
