HippFest returns with its annual Taste of Silents season, with a bite sized selection of silent films and live musical accompaniment at the Hippodrome Cinema, Bo’ness, Saturday 26 September – Saturday 7 November 2026.
The Taste of Silents season begins with Queen Kelly (1929) starring the legendary Gloria Swanson and directed by Erich von Stroheim; a lavish masterpiece of the silent era, with a production almost as dramatic as its plot. Recently restored and reconstructed using Swanson's own prints and outtakes, the film will be accompanied by Neil Brand on piano and introduced by film historian and author Pamela Hutchison.
Following the film, Hutchison and Brand will participate in a post-screening Q&A, hosted by HippFest’s Young Programmers, delving into the film’s troubled production and notoriety as the most infamous unfinished film in history. Hutchison will also be signing copies of her book on the film: The Curse of Queen Kelly.
On Saturday 17 October, silent comedy's 'third genius' Harold Lloyd is at his charming best in Speedy (1928), a rollicking comedy set on the vibrant streets of Roaring Twenties New York. Accompanied by Mike Nolan on piano and featuring a show-stopping and hilarious chase scene, Lloyd's last silent film is packed with personality and great gags.
The following week is a precursor to Halloween, with a screening of F. W. Murnau’s Faust (1926) with Jane Gardner (piano) and Hazel Morrison (percussion) performing live. Regarded as one of the pinnacles of German Expressionist cinema, F. W. Murnau (Nosferatu; Sunrise) draws upon centuries of enduring folk tale to transform the metaphysical morality tale of Faust into an atmospheric drama. The Hippodrome Bar will serve themed cocktails and host a “Confession Box” for audience members to anonymously share what deal with the devil they would be tempted to make.
Finally, the Taste of Silents season will come to a close on Saturday 7 November with Dziga Vertov’s groundbreaking celebration of cinematic possibility, Man with a Movie Camera (1929). Often ranked amongst the greatest films of all time, this fascinating portrait of a society in transition (filmed in Kyiv, Odessa and Moscow) uses dynamic camera effects to explore a day in the life of a fictional city. Musical inventors and multi-instrumentalists S!nk (Daniel Dumnov, Matt Wright, Tim Vincent-Smith) will bring their signature experimental style to create a rich soundscape accompany this dazzling film experiment.
This year’s season has been curated by HippFest’s Young Programmers, young people working with the Festival to gain invaluable experience in film exhibition.
Reflecting on this year’s selections, Young Programmer Helen Jockel said: “We brought our own interests and discoveries to the programme, with the aim of showcasing just how varied silent cinema can be. We settled on four very different films that offer distinct avenues into the silent era, from German Expressionism and avant-garde documentary to slapstick stunts and Hollywood spectacle. Whether you’re a devotee of the form, or perhaps have never seen a silent film before, we hope audiences leave with an appreciation of the excitement and invention silent cinema offers.”
Arts Development Officer Film and Media (Falkirk Council) / HippFest Director Alison Strauss added: “The HippFest Young Programmers initiative is all about democratising access to work in the film industry by providing young people from all kinds of backgrounds with hands-on experience in programming, community engagement and fundraising.
"At the same time, it’s a great way for us to root youth voices into the Festival. The Young Programmers' selections this year are wonderful – really demonstrating their appreciation for what audiences will respond to and what makes a satisfying programme. It’s great that they have secured additional funding from the BFI Film Audience Network Film Hub Scotland to support some of their bold ideas like the book signing and Q&A, and that they’ve showed such imagination designing themed cocktails and the fun interactive confessional box."
The HippFest Young Programmers initiative gives 16-30 year-olds from Scotland the opportunity to work alongside the Festival team to curate and deliver events as part of HippFest’s commitment to open up access to the film industry. Participants gain practical experience across film programming, community engagement, fundraising, and event delivery, while taking a leading role in shaping the themes, content, audience experience and the future direction of the Festival.
Young people interested in joining the Young Programmers cohort for HippFest 2027 can find further information on the Youth and Community pages of the HippFest website. The open call closes to applicants on Tuesday 1 September 2026.
HippFest Taste of Silents will run September – November 2026 with screenings at the Hippodrome Cinema, Bo’ness. Individual screenings begin at £12 (£10conc.); or attend multiple films with the Multi-Ticket Deal. Pre-book a bundle of any two films: £20.00 (£16.00 conc.) and no booking fees.
The HippFest shuttle bus will operate between Linlithgow Station and the Hippodrome for every screening in the season, with under 26s travelling free with code UNDER26FREE (valid proof of age required/limited availability).
For full season information and to book tickets for screenings and shuttle bus travel, visit the HippFest website.
HippFest is a project of Falkirk Council and is supported by Screen Scotland. The Festival’s Young Programmers initiative is possible thanks to the kind support of Falkirk Council and Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funding on behalf of Screen Scotland and the BFI National Lottery.
More information
Image credits: Still from Man with a Movie Camera courtesy of Flicker Alley and Blackhawk Films