Silent films return to screen in an exhibition

The first China and foreign silent film exhibition will be held from October 22 to 24 in Shanghai, officials revealed at yesterday\'s 13th Shanghai International Film Festival.

A total of six silent movie classics made in the 1920-30s will be presented at local cinemas, providing insight into the the development of world cinema.These high-quality films include domestic productions "The Peach Girl," "Wild Rose," "The Goddess," as well as foreign ones "The Thief of Baghdad," "The General" and Chaplin comedies highlight.

"The Peach Girl" is a tragic love story between a poor peasant girl and her rich landlord\'s son while "The Goddess" also starring actress Ruan Lingyu centers on a young mother forced into prostitution to support her son and provide him with an education.

Organizers said that the screening of each film will be combined with live musical performance to create both a nostalgic and modern atmosphere.

The silent film exhibition was firstly initiated by famous Chinese performing artist Qin Yi who was deeply impressed by the San Francisco Silent Film Festival.

"Nowadays, people seldom get the chance to watch classic silent films," Qin said. "Silent film performance with live music is still a fresh mode for Chinese movie buffs. The coming exhibition will offer audience new interpretation of silent movies."