Concrete Playground

Australia has an illustrious cinematic history. Indeed with The Story of the Kelly Gang (1906) Australia arguably gave the world its first narrative feature. This and a dazzling collection of silent gems from around the world will be presented at the State Library this month as part of Australia’s Silent Film Festival.


From Charlie Chaplin wreaking havoc in The Rink, to Buster Keaton’s The General; the fantastical mind of Georges Méliès and the awe-inspiring Fritz Lang, the greats from the silent era will be on display. And while every cinephile is familiar with the master of montage, Sergei Eisenstein, it is very exciting to see a contemporary Soviet filmmaker, Dziga Vertov push the boundaries in the Man with the Movie Camera (1929).

Screenings will be introduced by a variety of local film critics and academics, and many will also include a live musical accompaniment. What a wonderful opportunity to step back in time and experience the very beginnings of cinema.