Frank Buxton Silent Film Festival 2025

6th “Not So Annual” Frank Buxton Silent Film Festival at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art – Bainbridge Island, WA 
The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is thrilled to announce the 6th Not So Annual Frank Buxton Silent Film Festival, set to take place from September 12–14, 2025. This year’s festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of silent cinema, featuring a lineup of classic films accompanied by live music as well as being curated by Buxton’s friend and frequent creative partner, John Ellis.
One of the highlights of the festival will be a screening of Buster Keaton’s masterpiece, The General, with live musical accompaniment by the renowned Dr. Andrew Shields. Audiences will also be treated to F.W. Murnau’s Sunrise: A Story of Two Humans, with an evocative score performed by Michael Owunchuk. Sunrise is often called the best silent film ever made.
In addition to these iconic films, the festival will showcase a variety of other silent surprises, such as our popular comedy short program including comedies such as early Buster Keaton with Roscoe Arbuckle and Laurel and Hardy shorts, and rarely seen European films. This unique event offers a rare opportunity to experience the magic of silent cinema in a vibrant and engaging setting.
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of film, music, and nostalgia at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit our website or contact the museum directly.
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Individual Tickets – Member Price: $11.89 / Non-member Price: $13.95

Series Passes – Member Price: $42.76 / Non-member Price: $53.05

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Festival Schedule

Friday, September 12
7:00 PM — Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927, 127 min)
Dir. F.W. Murnau
Starring George O’Brien and Janet Gaynor
Live Music: Michael Owcharuk & Kate Olson

Saturday, September 13
1:00 PM — Collection of Silent Shorts

  • A Wild Roomer (Charley Bowers, 1927)

  • Laurel and Hardy (1929)

  • Backstage (Buster Keaton & Roscoe Arbuckle)
    Live Music: Dr. Andrew Shields

4:00 PM — People on Sunday (1929, Germany)
Early work by Billy Wilder & Fred Zinnemann
Live Music: Michael Owcharuk & Kate Olson

7:00 PM — The General (Buster Keaton)
Live Music: Dr. Andrew Shields

Sunday, September 14
1:00 PM — 3 Bad Men (1926, 122 min)
Dir. John Ford — A classic Western
Live Music: Dr. Andrew Shields

4:00 PM — Flesh and the Devil (1926)
Dir. Clarence Brown
Starring Greta Garbo & John Gilbert
Live Music: Michael Owcharuk & Kate Olson

 

Special Thanks To:

John Ellis

Andrew Josyln

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The festival pays tribute to Frank Buxton, a longtime champion, advocate and appreciator of the arts. During his lifetime, Frank made significant contributions in film, television, comedy, and theater. Beyond his own contributions, Frank was a consummate champion, advocate, historian, and fan of the work of other artists. He was particularly delighted in sharing special work with others, increasing their understanding and appreciation of adventurous, excellent, and innovative cinematic works.