A local tradition is bringing the golden age of Hollywood back to life.
The Newhallywood Silent Film Festival returns to Newhall for its fifth year, offering three days of classic silent films at the Newhall Family Theatre and the Main on Main Street.
The festival embraces the hushed and the historic, screening everything from The Phantom of the Opera to West of Zanzibar for classic movie lovers.
What was once an empty theater quickly fills up as classic film fans pour in to enjoy their favorite old-timey movies.
The silent film festival has been offering these nostalgic screenings for five consecutive years and plans to continue celebrating the art of silent cinema for many more.
“Silent film is so important, not just to the history of film, but to the history of Santa Clarita and the history of Southern California,” said Phil Lantis, the Arts and Events Manager for the City of Santa Clarita.
“There basically wouldn’t be an ‘LA’ as it currently exists without that silent film era,” said Lantis.
Currently at the family theatre, the Main co-founder, E.J. Stephens, envisions expanding to a larger venue in the future.
“When the city takes over Hart Park, that’s gonna be our hub for the film festival,” said Stephens.
“That will give us some more options as far as lectures, book signings, and having props on hand,” said Stephens.
He sees Hart Park as the perfect location, given silent film legend William S. Hart’s legacy and his deep ties to the early days of cinema.
With its museums, petting zoo, and rich historical backdrop, Hart Park could be the ideal setting to celebrate the city’s history and the timeless art of silent film.
