This was Silent Film Days 2026

The 20th edition of Tromsø Silent Film Days has come to an end — for the first time held at a venue other than Verdensteatret – Cinemateket i Tromsø.

Publisert 29.04.2026 — TIFF

Across four days, historic film classics were brought to life through live music. New interpretations and expressions emerged in the space between the screen, the musicians, and the audience.

The programme ranged widely — from the surreal and experimental to the monumental METROPOLIS, opened by a six-piece band led by Kjetil Schjander Luhr and Kristin Bolstad.

Metropolis (1927), directed by Fritz Lang, opened the festival. Photo: Jamie Michael Bivard.

Audience in Sal 2 at Aurora kino Fokus. Photo: Bogdan Kosenko.

The audience was completely drawn in — shifting from hushed concentration to laughter, applause, and moments where the entire room seemed to hold its breath. It became a tribute to the great creators of film history — films that still provoke powerful responses and carry a creative energy that continues to resonate today.

Carl Christian Lein Størmer and STELLA POLARIS. Photo: Bogdan Kosenko

Carl Christian Lein Størmer’s interpretation of the Northern Norwegian classic STELLA POLARIS, together with musicians from the Nordic hardcore scene, gave the film a new and more uncompromising edge. Director and living legend Knut Erik Jenssen was present and introduced the film concert.

Director Knut Erik Jenssen. Photo: Bogdan Kosenko

A familiar place in a new setting

This year’s festival took place at Aurora kino Fokus. While the venue was new to Silent Film Days, it is a well-known and central part of Tromsø International Film Festival and TIFF Junior. The cinema proved to be a strong host for this year’s edition.

Strong collaborations defined the programme

The programme was shaped by strong collaborations. Through Insomnia Festival, Tromsø World and Hippodrome Silent Film Festival, the festival welcomed both international influences and new artistic expressions. From Scotland came Jane Gardner and Hazel Morrison, while Insomnia’s Cloud Exit talents brought their own interpretations in close dialogue with the films on screen.

Hazel Morrison and Jane Gardner performed to The Pleasure Garden (1925), Alfred Hitchcock’s feature debut. Photo: Bogdan Kosenko.

Insomnia’s Cloud Exit talent — sound artist Johanna Sandels — together with the French musicians of Morskie Oko Collective. Photo: Jamie Michael Bivard.

There was also space for something more playful and accessible. In collaboration with Tromsø Barnefilmklubb, audiences were invited into WALT DISNEY’S EARLY ADVENTURES, featuring live music and foley by Kjetil Schjander Luhr and Kristin Bolstad — to the delight of both children and adults.

Live foley by Kristin Bolstad. Photo: Jamie Michael Bivard

Looking ahead

After a successful festival in a new venue, Tromsø Silent Film Days will return to its home at Verdensteatret – Cinemateket i Tromsø next year. The experiences from 2026 will be carried forward into future editions.