The 2006 event inspired this poem:

Present from the Past

Flickering silver screens present
their images in black and white.
Transporting us from restless present
to quiet dreams of past delights,
Where carefree comics roll and tumble
and gentle lovers bill and coo.
No Dolby sound to rock and rumble
no blatent sex, no language blue;
But graceful gifts of song and story
told in title oratory
Bring muted pleasure that will last—
a silent present from the past.

by Marilyn Schroeder, Topeka

These comments were sent to Bill Shaffer, President of the KSFF event, by individuals who attended the 2006 festival.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of the Festival. I was impressed with the organization, the talent on display, and especially with the large, enthusiastic, and surprisingly well-informed audience. I hope your energy holds out for another ten years of the Kansas Silent Film Festival.

Cordially,
David Shepard

Excerpt from review by Bruce Calvert, who provided many of the films used at our various annual festivals in the past. You can read Bruce's entire review online:

If you've never been to the KSFF, I can't recommend it too much. The people there are very friendly. They always have nice vintage memorabilia on display. The live music is outstanding. And it's all free. Unfortunately, I couldn't attend the after-show get-together this year, but the whole family enjoyed the festival.

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A note from Jeff Rapsis, who attended from New Hampshire. Jeff is Associate Publisher, The Hippo magazine and e-zine, www.hipponashua.com.

Just a quick note to say thanks again and congratulations on another wonderful festival. Each of the films was worthy of the time and effort it takes to locate and obtain and screen. Once again, at the end of the final night's screenings, I found myself wanting more.

I especially enjoyed the the Douglas Fairbanks film, "Wild and Woolly," which showed a surprisingly developed sense of irony about movies and the Wild West even at that early day. The Keaton feature and Liberty were a treats to see with an audience, and the Valentino film, "The Eagle," was the kind of picture they just don't make anymore.

Keep up the great work! There's nothing to compare seeing these films as they were originally intended to be seen: projected on a big screen, with a large and friendly audience, and with live music. There's no other way to do it - seeing silent film at home on video, however convenient, is like drinking wine through an eyedropper. It's just not the same.

If the art of the silent film is to endure and win new audiences, a big reason for it will be because of events like the Kansas Silent Film Festival. Susan and I look forward to next year. Only 360 days to go!

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