2022 Kansas Silent Film Festival Wrap-up

2022 PROMO | PROGRAM | NOTES | KSFF HOME |

Denise Morrison, film commentator

Live Musical Accompaniment by:
Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, directed by Rodney Sauer
Ben Model, piano & organ
Jeff Rapsis, piano
Marvin Faulwell, organ
Bill Beningfield, organ
Bob Keckeisen, percussion


Special Guest:
J. B. Kaufman is an author and film historian who has published and lectured extensively on Disney animation, American silent film history, and related topics. He lives in Wichita, KS, and spoke about Disney at the 2022 Cinema Dinner on Saturday evening.
2022 Theme, 25 Years, 25 Films 23rd Annual Kansas Silent Film Festival, February 27 & 28, 2020

Held February 24 - 26, 2022:
Thurs. evening @ Jayhawk Theatre, Topeka, KS
Fri. afternoon @ Grace Cathedral, Topeka, KS
Fri. evening & all day Sat. @ White Concert Hall on the Washburn University campus, Topeka, KS

Photo sections:

Our thanks go to event photographers
Karl Mischler, Jane Bartholomew, Larry Stendebach, Bill Shaffer, Denise Morrison, Dave Greim, Bruce Calvert, Carol Yoho and several attendees who offered use of specific photos they'd taken of our event.

Bruce Calvert, who helped run the 16mm projector at our event, has posted his review of the 2022 KSFF festival at Nitrateville.com

Jeff Rapsis, who plays piano accompaniments at our event, has shared his challenge of making it to the 2022 KSFF festival on his Blog site

2022 Festival Comments:

Jackie Gfeller
—Brock, Nebraska

   Can't thank you and the team enough for a wonderful weekend. It was ALL fabulous! It is always good to see everyone and visit and further our acquaintance with the volunteers. And to make new friends! I especially enjoyed my visits with Zandra.
   We did agree that 3 days is too much as we are getting older! ha. We about killed poor Bob off! He was exhausted when we got him home... but it was a happy exhaustion!
   Please thank everyone for their hard work, great performances and great humor! It was a great celebration!
  I am glad you will be doing more of them!

Want to volunteer for 2023? Contact us at ksffvolunteer@gmail.com

Nathan Grabauskas
—Topeka, Kansas

  I just want to say I enjoyed the silent film festival and I know you guys put in a lot of work into keeping it going. I enjoyed the couple from Missouri I sat with at the Cinema-Dinner and talking to people I see there every year. I also enjoy learning new things about the movies and hearing the incredible musicians you have. I would say it was the highlight of this year for me! Thank you, Bill and all the volunteers, Denise Morrison and the Projectionists, who make the festival so fun and interesting. I just want to let you know I appreciate all the work it takes to have a festival and say Thank You.

Marcy Tintera
—Regular attendee/Donor
   Lincoln, NE

   It was wonderful getting together in person, again. Many thanks to you, the planning/organizing committees, the musicians, the special guest (J.B. Kaufman) and all the volunteers for everything.
   I want to say an extra special thank-you to all those who helped my friend who fell coming out of Grace Cathedral Friday afternoon. From the person who called 911, the person who covered my friend with her own coat and talked to him in the calmest voice, and to all those who offered prayers and expressed concern for him...we want to say BLESS YOU! Miraculously, there were no broken bones. He was released from the hospital to a rehab closer to home where he is recovering and getting help walking. Again, "thank you" everyone!

Bruce Calvert
—Plano, Texas

   I thought that this was the best KSFF ever, basically because it was longer and you were able to present more films and a wider variety of films. Although the cathedral was not as dark as we wished, it was great to hear it filled up with the wonderful sound of their organ. Also, we always seemed to be rushed for time at the banquet and it would have been nicer if JB could have talked for ten more minutes.
   Due to the cold weather, we had to move to the lobby of the Jayhawk. That caused a problem with the John Bunny comedy since the English translations were at the bottom of the screen and we couldn't read them because of the heads directly in front of us. But hopefully the Jayhawk will be usable soon.
   Having one person at each table "win" a prize was nice, although there may be a fight for the seats next year that the centerpiece points to! And this wasn't your fault, but the selection of discs for sale was slim since Mont Alto didn't bring any with them.
  My review is posted on Nitrateville. I didn't go into quite as much detail as usual since there were so many films to review. It took me three hours just to write that much.
   I didn't like the Texas Guinan film because it was abridged, poor quality, and was racist. I had seen a about half the films and have many of those on disk. I didn't mind seeing STAGE STRUCK, STEAMBOAT BILL, JR., TELL IT TO THE MARINES, HUNCHBACK and THE GOOSE WOMAN again because they are great films and the live accompaniment is always a plus. I hadn't seen A PAIR OF TIGHTS in a long time, and it was much better than I remembered. THE WINNING OF BARBARA WORTH was the one that I wanted to see the most, and it didn't disappoint.

Kaylee Mansfield
—Wichita, Kansas

   The additions of the Jayhawk Theater and Grace Cathedral were absolutely incredible. I look forward to the film festival every year and would very much appreciate an early schedule. I appreciate all the work you and your team do to make this happen. It never disappoints!
—Regards.

Jim Reid
—Dallas, Texas

   I thought the festival went very well. As far as what I'd improve: the Jayhawk. I know it is a very worthwhile project, but it's going to be problematic until they have heat. The lobby worked ok, but sight views were not great. There was one film that had lower third translation titles. Only the first couple of rows could see the titles. Other than that, I think the Jayhawk lobby was OK. The cathedral was not ideal for a daytime show. I understand the issues that moved the afternoon program there, but there was way too much light.
   I had no problem at all with the film part of the festival. It all worked great. As far as future program ideas: I've always wanted to see A KISS FOR CINDERELLA. I know it doesn't exist in the best condition, but I'd love to see what's still there. I think the existing print is at Eastman. I wonder if they have a video copy that can be used? Other than that, it might be a good idea to find out what's available from LOC. That's all I can think of right now. Good luck on your meeting and thanks again for your hospitality!

Doug & Sara Chatfield
—Elk Grove, California

   What a marvelous Silent Film Festival you organized! We made it through all 25 films, although we were a bit late for the post-lunch Chaplin short (on Saturday afternoon). We did manage to eat at Bobo's though! Congratulations on 25 Festivals. Thanks for everything.

 
Set-up

We had three separate venues for our 25th live event. Set-up began mid-day on Thursday with set up at Jayhawk Theatre in downtown Topeka. The theater itself had no heating system, so we set up in a warmer side-room and all worked out fine for the evening event.
   Friday's set up started at Grace Cathedral, where we regularly show silent films with live music accompaniment for "Silents In the Cathedral" happening each year on the Friday before Thanksgiving. Set-up included setting tabs on the church organ, setting up a DVD projection unit in the center aisle, and giving our musicians the opportunity to practice before the event started early on Friday afternoon.
   Work moved later in the afternoon to White Concert Hall at Washburn University, where our Friday evening and all-day Saturday events were scheduled. Preparing included stage equipment set up, movie projection and accompaniment rehearsals. laying out displays of items for sale in the White Concert Hall lobby, including 25th Anniversary t-shirts (in denium-gray), DVDs and CDs.
   Ken Filardo brought silent film projection equipment and sat it up in the concert hall lobby, where he demonstrated and explained how the equipment worked during breaks during film showings on Friday night and all day Saturday.
   Bruce Calvert and Jim Reed brought silent film collectibles from Texas to use in two display cases, and set up 16mm projection equipment for use at this occasion.

A comment about weather: we dealt with end-of-winter, as we have to do from time to time. This year there was no signs that spring might arrive soon, but wet, snowy weather on Thursday cleared out fairly quickly.

Jayhawk Theatre, Downtown Topeka
Entrance, Jayhawk Theatre, Topeka, KansasKarl Mischler rented a van at the K.C. airport and was very helpful in hauling items among our 3 venues. Many thanks to Jeff Carson of Gizmo Pictures (at right) for helping us so much with the festival. Karl Mischler helps with set-up at Jayhawk Theatre.One important job was setting out chairs for our evening performance.Denise Morrison, Karl Mischler and Bill Beningfield prepare for evening performance at Jayhawk Theatre, Topeka.

Grace Cathedral, W. 7th St., Topeka
Morning light pours into Grace Cathedral as we prepare for Friday afternoon program to be shown at Grace.Late morning light hits one of the church's many stained glass windows.Projection is being set up as Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra sets up to practice their accompaniment for afternoon performances.Bruce Calvert and Carla Bartunek tape down power chord to DVD projector.Bruce Calvert and Carla Bartunek to further tapingKarl Mischler, Bill Shaffer and J.B. Kaufman set up and check running of featured films on the DVD projector.Bob Keckeisen brings and sets up his percussion equipment in preparation for the afternoon event. Ben Model, in Topeka from New York, sets up stops and practices movie accompaniment on the Grace Cathedral church organ.The Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra practices accompaniment for the movie Hunchback of Notre Dame.Bob Keckeisen joins Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra as they practice accompaniment for the afternoon agenda.Musicians Rodney Sauer(piano, and director of Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra), Bob Keckeisen (percussion) and Marvin Faulwell (pipe organ) meet and discuss musical accompaniment plans for the movies to be shown at Grace Cathedral on Friday afternoon.

White Concert Hall, Washburn University
Outside White Concert Hall, Washburn University, Topeka on Friday afternoon, February 25, 2022Set-up crew prepares to lift the festival banner to the top front-end of the entrance roof at White Concert Hall, Washburn University.Brian Sanders and J.B. Kaufman hold the ladder steady as Karl Mischler climbs to the top with our Kansas Silent Film Festival banner, rolled-up. Karl Mischler manages to set the top edige of the banner to the edge of the roof.Karl Mischler smiles as he ties down one edge of the festival banner.KSFF crew holds parts in place and Karl Mischler finishes securing the banner.Cue "The Graduate"...Set-up at White Concert Hall actually started on Thursday night, after setting up at Jayhawk Theatre.Kansas Silent Film Festival banners were installed at the edges of the Washburn University campus to help draw attention to our planned event.

A peek at February Topeka weather, 2022
It snowed on Thursday as Jane and Karl arrived in Topeka from Kansas City area on Interstate 70 highway.Washburn's welcoming fountain still flowed despite being frozen.Weather warmed up nicely over three days. This view looks north from Hyatt Place, the motel KSFF board members and many guests stayed at during our 2022 event.

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Three Days, Three Venues We celebrated our 25th LIVE silent film event at THREE VENUES rather than just at White Concert Hall at Washburn University. Thursday evening's event happened at Jayhawk Theatre in downtown Topeka. Friday afternoon's event happened at Grace Cathedral on SW 7th Street. Saturday's events started in the morning at White Concert Hall at Washburn University and remaining events all happened at Washburn. This next group of photos show how events happened on Thursday evening and Friday afternoon. Images of Washburn events follow after this section.

Jayhawk Theatre, Downtown Topeka--The auditorium lacked heating, but tours were given of the area, balcony and stage. The evening movies were shown in a heated side-room.
7th St. entrance to the Jayhawk Theatre.View of stage from balcony, Jayhawk auditorium.view of auditorium ceiling in need of repair.Jayhawk proscenium mural.Jayhawk stage as seen from floor level.Touring the stage at Jayhawk Theatre.Stage as seen from the balcony.Jayhawk emblem seen in decorative detail.Jayhawk history is on display.Event posters displayed at the Jayhawk Theatre.Parts of an original Jayhawk neon name sign.Bill Beningfield tries out a rented electronic keyboard.Film historian Denise Morrison is ready to introduce the evening program.Marvin Faulwell arrives at the Jayhawk to accompany one stort film at the evening performance.Jane Bartholomew, from Overland Park, KS, welcomes Louise Langberg, a donor who attends regularly from St. Paul, MN.A good-sized crowd of attendees are welcomed to the Jayhawk event.Opening creditsBill Beningfield accompanies "Her First Biscuits," a movie short from 1909.Audience settles in to watch one of 3 short subject films.Ben Model substitues last-minute to play accompaniment for "Tangled Tangoists."Crowd enjoys another short subject movie.Marvin Faulwell plays an overture for attendees. Marvin Faulwell plays an electronic keyboard while Bob Keckeisen provides accousitics for a the movie short "A Pair of Tights."Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra begins playing accompaniment for Buster Keaton's feature film "Steamboat Bill Jr."Opening title for "Steamboat Bill, Jr."Britt Swenson plays violin for Mont AltoOrchestra director Rodney Sauer plays keyboard accompaniment to Steamboat Bill, Jr."Famous falling wall scene from Steamboat Bill, Jr.Buster fights a strong wind in Steamboat Bill, Jr.

Grace Cathedral, W. 7th St., Topeka
Daylight photo of the exterior of Grace Cathedral.Santuary sculptures and stained glass windowA view of the Nave from behind the movie screenView of the Nave from entry doorsView of Nave, slightly blocked by the DVD movie projectorBen Model and Denise Morrison wait to welcome the afternoon attendees while listing to overature music on the Grace Cathedral church organBob Keckeisen and Marvin Faulwell perform an afternoon music overature.Denise Morrison welcomes attendees.Guest organist Ben Model speaks to the audience before accompanying a film short, "Scrambled Weddings."(L to R) Musician Ben Model introduces short subject Robinet's White Suit (1911), with Marcel Perez.Ben Model accompanies Scrambled Weddings on the Grace Cathedral church organ. Scrambled Weddings is projected to accompaniment by Ben ModelDenise Morrison introduces a showing of Tell It to the Marines, starring Lon Chaney(L to R) Larry Stendebach, Jane Bartholomew and Tracey Goessel. Behind the group is Karl Mischler.Bob and Marvin accompany the feature film "Tell It to the Marines" starring Lon Chaney. Lon Chaney performs without heavy makeup in this particular feature.Bob and Marvin accompany the feature film Tell It to the Marines starring Lon Chaney.Bob Keckeisen and Marvin Faulwell take a bow at the end of the movie-showing.An intermission break at Grace Cathedral.Blakely Bunning, Friday afternoon attendeeKelly Kitchens and KSFF president Bill ShafferLarry Stenebach chats with Louise LangbergDave Greim attended, having come from California. He proudly wears his Laurel and Hardy t-shirt!Nikki McKim and Bill ShafferBruce Calvert wears his timely Kansas Silent Film Festival Covid maskAttendees Nikki McKim is with Kayllee Pratt.Nikki McKim shows off her well-timed-worn Lon Chaney Fan Club t-shirt.Denise Morrison waits to speak while Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra play a second-half musical overature.(L to R) Larry Stendebach, Jane Bartholomew and Tracey Goessel. Behind the group is Karl Mischler.Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra accompanies The Hunchback of Notre DameBob Keckeisen joins Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra to add percussion detailing to the showing of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.Lon Chaney stars in The Hunchback of Notre DameBob and Marvin accompany the feature film "Tell It To the Marines" starring Lon Chaney.The hunchback rings church bells at Notre DameMembers of the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra take bows after their performance.

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White Concert Hall , Washburn University
 Our schedule moved to White Concert Hall, Washburn University, on Friday evening and continued there all day on Saturday, Feb. 26th.
   Film Historian Denise Morrison introduced our films from the stage. Live music was provided this year by Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra and by Jeff Rapsis (piano and organ), Ben Model (piano), Marvin Faulwell (organ), Bob Keckeisen (percussion), and Bill Beningfield (organ). Karl Mischler of New York City, took event photos when not on stage running DVD projection. Jim Reid and Bruce Calvert assisted the festival by running projection for several 16mm movies shown on film. Our special guest was J. B. Kaufman, film historian and author, who introduced an early animated cartoon produced by Walt Disney.

Karl Mischler sets the DVD projector to project another silent movieAuditorium of White Concert Hall, quiet and nearly empty as we set-up.Bruce Calvert came from Plano, TX, with projection equipment, to help with running movies on film at our 25th event. Thank you, Bruce!(Jim Reid came from Dallas, TX, with projection equipment, to help with running movies on film at our 25th event. Thank you, Jim!View from the balcony as people gather for Friday evening's event.Organists Bill Beningfielf and Marvin Faulwell wait for Friday evening's event to start.Covid self-care was recommended at this 2022 event. Musician Ben Model speaks to the audience from the stage.Organist Bill Beningfield accompanies Boobley's BabyProjected images receive live organ accompaniment.(More projected images receive live organ accompaniment.Audience takes a stretch-break between movies programed for showingOrganist Marvin Faulwell prepares to play the White Concert Hall organMarvin Faulwell accompanies the film short subject The Bakery.Karl Mischeler manages the onstage DVD projector. On Saturday morning the audience watches an introduction by J.B. Kaufman.Guest speaker J.B. Kaufman introduces Disney cartoon The Ocean Hop starring Oswald, the Lucky Rabbit.Beginning the projection of The Ocean HopBill and Denise wait as Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra play an overture.Onstage action, accompanied by Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra.Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra fold into a bow.Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra accept audience accolades.Attendees stand with silent film movie stars onstage at White Concert Hall during intermission.Dave Greim, onstage in black-and-white.Ben Model sits ready to accompany Stage Struck (1925), shown Saturday afternoon at the White Concert Hall, using the Music Hall organ.Ben Model takes an after-performance bow.Jeff Rapsis takes an after-performance bow.On Saturday evening Denise Morrison welcomes attendees.Denise Morrison introduces the Saturday evening showing of The Winning of Barbara Worth.Marvin Faulwell, at the organ, and Bob Keckeisen, at his percussion instruments, are ready to accompany The Winning of Barbara Worth.Projected image and the silouettes of musicians finish off the showing of the feature film The Winning of Barbara Worth.Karl Mischler sits at-the-ready as projectionist on Saturday evening.Saturday evening's musicians take a bow and the end of the 2022 25th Annual Kansas Silent Film Festival.Musicians take their final bow of the 2022 KSFF event.

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Lobby Activity Chatting, shopping, relaxing and sharing took place in the lobby of White Concert Hall, Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas. Special thanks to Melanie Lawrence and Zandra Myrick for arranging tables, overseeing sales, and managing volunteer services. Steadfast fans attending yearly make planning and presenting each Kansas Silent Film Festival worth the work. We extend our thanks to the many fans from Kansas and states north, south, east and west across the U.S.
All are welcome!

Southwest corner of the White Concert Hall lobby, with sunshine pouring through the nearby window.Gary and Kellee Pratt have just arrived at White Concert Hall.Kellee Pratt (left, in black hat) with friendsLobby acitivity at White Concert Hall, Washburn UniversityAttendees stop to listen as Ken Filardo shows them the 35mm film projector from his collection of silent film antiques.Volunteers and staff sit behind the tables set up in White Concert Hall lobby.Karl Mischler, from New York City, chats with Bruce Calvert from Plano, TexasThese gals are faithful Kansas Silent Film Festival attendees: Wendy Mahaffey, Kellee Pratt, Candy Pfaltzgraf, Kelly Kitchens Wickersham, and Michelle Sabastoan Price.Bruce Calvert brought silent film era collectibles to full fill two display cases. Thank you for sharing, Bruce!Bruce Calvert shared silent film era collectables. More of Bruce Calvert's silent film era collectables.Still more of Bruce Calvert's silent film era collectibles.Box of 2022 KSFF Programs, open and ready to be handed out to attendees as they enter White Concert Hall.Back of the 2022 event t-shirt, which was available for sale in the lobby.Attendees hover in White Concert Hall lobby between movie showings.One young attendee brought a stuffed toy owl with her so both could enjoy silent movies.Host team wear masks while socializing in the White Concert Hall lobby, as did most attendees.This mom and child stopped to enjoy an event poster as they took a break from watching movies.We always love seeing Phil Figgs, previous event Board Member, when he chooses to attend our event, coming from Sabetha. Kansas.Jane Bartholomew took this selfie with Phil Figgs. Both were wearing masks.Phil Figgs pulled down his Covid mask so his friends could see him smile.Greg and Melody Foreman attended our 2022 event, coming from Independence, Missouri.Larry Stendebach, center, takes a selfie with Melody (left) and Greg (right) Foreman.Lea Stans poses for a photo with Kallee Pratt.Lea Stans stands alone by the KSFF framed billboard.KSFF President Bill Shaffer is smiling because he was so pleased to find musician Jeff Rapsis had arrived at our event, albeit he came a couple of days late, due to medical challenges. We all were so pleased that he managed to be there, and that we could hear him accompany some of the silent films left to be shown on Saturday.Michelle Sabastian Price, Kelly Kitchens Wickersham, Wendy Mahaffey, Kellee Pratt, and Candy Pfaltzgraf.Michelle Sabastian Price with Kellee PrattThis attendee (Robin Harsh?) was very carefully protecting herself from Covid, but opened a space where she could see us clearly and pose for a portrait photo.Jane Bartholomew takes a selfie with her friend, and our guest speaker, J.B. KaufmanMelanie Lawrence and Kellee PrattMore lobby activity, in a break between movie-showingsQuiet lobby time in late afternoonKSFF organizers pulled a lot of long-hour days during the festival so caught naps whenever - and wherever - they could.This group of event staff and special guests have dressed up for the Saturday evening Cinema Dinner. J.B. Kaufman, far right in the line, is our banquet speaker.

Our thanks go to Ken Filardo for sharing a silent film projector from his collection of antique motion picture equipment and presenting its operation to our attendees in the White Concert Hall lobby.
Attendees congregate around Ken Filardo and his silent film projector.(L to R) Larry Stendebach, Jane Bartholomew and Tracey Goessel. Behind the group is Karl Mischler.This is the set-up for Ken Filardo's silent film projector.This close-up shows the projector gears and includes a description of the equipment and the portable system used.Ken shows Nancy Lawrence the equipment and explains to her its use.This is 35mm film projected onto a screen.Parts interact here.Ken Filardo is cranking to project the film image onto a screen.Ken opened the door so attendees can see the parts inside his projector.An attendee tries her luck at projecting as she cranks.Another photo of Ken Filardo explaining the use of the equipment he brought to Kansas Silent Film Festival.Ken points out parts inside the projector.More attendees enjoy Ken's demonstration of his equipment.More attendees enjoy Ken's demonstration of his equipment.Sill more attendees enjoy Ken's demonstration of his equipment.

During our Saturday afternoon break our special guest, J. B. Kauffman, signed copies of his books in the lobby.
View from balcony of booksigning by J.B. KaufmanSigning desk, with Jane Bartholomew and J.B. KaufmanJ.B. Kaufman signing a bookJ.B. Kaufman looks up from signing a sold copy of his book.View from in front of the signing desk and attendees line up to buy books and chat with J.B. Kaufman.J.B. Kaufman makes comments at the signing desk during Saturday afternoon intermission from film showings.J.B. Kaufman signs a book that was sold during an afternoon intermission in film showings.

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13th Annual Cinema Dinner At this thirteenth annual Cinema Dinner attendees enjoyed good food, conversation and a few door prize give-aways. Music was performed by harpist Erin Wood. Special guest was J. B. Kaufman , who spoke at our Cinema Dinner about "Silent Film: The Midwestern Connection." The event was well attended. Our space was full, with fans scurrying across the street from the White Concert Hall lobby—very convenient. The festival committee appreciates the support of attendees of each festival's Cincema Dinner!

Dinner participants begin to arriveThose seated at tables await their turns to join the buffet line.Harp music was by Erin Wood, harpistDifferent this year was wait-staff who dished up helpings using rubber gloves and facemasks.Attendees are helped by servers at the buffet tables.Table guests are Dan Brogren and his four granddaughters who are Ainsley Braun, Adison Braun, Cameron Brogren and Abigail Braun, a photo by Karl MischlerTable guests B, a photo by Karl MischlerTable guests C, a photo by Karl MischlerTable guests D, a photo by Karl MischlerTable guests E, a photo by Karl MischlerKSFF President Bill Shaffer speaks with attendees as the settle into eating.Full dinner tablesBill Shaffer welcomes diners.Bill Shaffer speaks at the dinner space microphone.Bill Shaffer makes door prize plans with staffer Melanie Lawrence.Staffer Biran Sanders displays a door prize.Staffers Jane Bartholomew and Brian Sanders display a door prize for the movie The Chapeorone, based on a life-event experienced by Kansas-born silent film star Louise Brooks.Staffers Jane Bartholomew and Carol Yoho display a door prize image with Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Coogan in the feature film The Kid.Staffer Carol Yoho passes the Chaplin doorprize to its winner.One person at each table won a coffee mug, based on if the projector at the center of each table was pointing.Grandpa brought his 4 granddaughters to our dinner, and the youngest of the four, Abigail Braun, won their table's mug.Jane Bartholomew introduced the after-dinner speaker, J.B. Kaufman.(L to R) Larry Stendebach, Jane Bartholomew and Tracey Goessel. Behind the group is Karl Mischler.Kaufman's talk was titled "Silent Film: The Midwestern Connection.Kaufman has done extensive research into the movie career of Walt Disney, former Missourian.J.B. Kaufman continues with his lecture.Kaufman details Disney's connection with Newman Laugh-o-grams.

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Staff Staff devoted their time and efforts for the 2022 25th LIVE Kansas Silent Film Festival. The KSFF board members included Denise Morrison, Bill Shaffer, Jane Bartholomew, Zandra Myrick, Carol Yoho, Melanie Lawrence, Nancy Lawrence, and Brian Sanders . Help coming from out-of-state includes Karl Mischler, Larry & Enid Stendebach, Bruce Calvert, and Jim Reid (driving from Texas). Special thanks go to Washburn employees Brock Martin (manager of White Concert Hall) and Washburn maintenance staff (especially Mike Sershen and Michael D. Allen). We depend on the talents of our musicians Marvin Faulwell, Bill Beningfield, and Bob Kecksisen. Muscians flying to Kansas from other states included the five members of Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra (from Colorado, managed by Rodney Sauer), Ben Model (from New York), and Jeff Rapsis (from New Hampshire) We also extend special thanks to our festival initiator Jim Rhodes. Many thanks to our dedicated staff and assistants!

Jane Bartholomew, Mike Sershen of the Washburn University custodial staff, and Melanie LawrenceLarry Stendebach, Mike Sershen and Melanie Lawrence take a rest-break.KSFF President Bill Shaffer tallies details at the end of the 2022 festival.Staffer Carol Yoho poses with KSFF founder Jim Rhodes.Bill Shaffer onstage with Charlie ChaplinStaff gathers at White Concert Hall lobby late Friday afternoon to review details of events to come.Another perspecitive of staff gathered at White Concert Hall lobby late Friday afternoon to review details of events to come.Brock Martin is Audiovisual Technician for White Concert Hall, Washburn University. We very much appreciate his support.Musician Jeff Rapsis arrived a couple of days late...but he CAME and we were most grateful to have his help.Jeff Rapsis peels away his Covid mask to we could see and capture his honest smile.Karl Mischler, center, came to Topeka from New York City. He joins Bruce Calvert, left, and Jim Reid right, who both traveled to Topeka from Texas to help us run our event.Jane Bartholomew snaps a selfie with Washburn University custodial staff and with Enid Stendebach from Hannibal, Missouri.Staffers Karl Mischler, Melanie Lawrence, Denise Morrison, Bill Shaffer and Carol Yoho.Maria Cisneros helped our crew in their stay at Hyatt Place, Topeka, during our stay.Melanie Lawrence curls up her hair in perparation for attending the Saturday evening Cinema-Dinner at Washburn University's Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center, across the street from White Concert Hall.Jim Reid was a good sport in ignoring facial bruising from a fall he took when arriving in bad weather, just outside Hyatt Place Motel. He did fine staff-work despite his injury.Staffers Enid Stendebach, Jane Bartholomew and Larry StendebachStill wearing his mask, J.B. Kaufman arrived in Topeka, traveling for Wichits, Kansas, to intoduce films onstage and to lecture at the 2022 KSFF Cinema-Dinner.KSFF President Bill Shaffer stands near the edge of the White Concert Hall stage with staffer Larry Stendebach and musicians Jeff Rapsis and Ben Model.Jeff Rapsis spent the whole day with us on Saturday at White Concert Hall, Washburn University.Early in helping with our event staffers Jane Bartholomew and Karl Mischler took some time to travel to downtown Topeka and view the Kansas Capitol building.Public entrance, Kansas State Capitol, Topeka, KansasWhile visiting downtown Topeka, Karl Mischler attempted to invaid the Woman's Club at their front door. Bad boy! Bill Shaffer took two photos of a bench honoring the memory of Kenny Cann. Bill knew Kenny well, mourns his loss and thinks of him often.Close-up photo taken by Bill Shaffer in memory of Washburn employee Kenny Cann.

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Volunteers Zandra Myrick is our Board of Directors Volunteer Chair. Zandra and the entire board would like to thank this year's volunteers who helped our staff by answering questions, selling merchandise, counting attendance arrivals, greeting fans and passing out programs.
—Thank you, 2022 KSFF volunteers!

Brian Sanders, Enid Stendebach and Dustin PfamatterLeah Jamison (Washburn student) and Zandra MyrickLarry Stendebach and Jayne VarneyAaliyah McRae (Washburn student) and JaneZandra Myrick and Blair TarrDustin Pfamatter, Zandra Myrick and Colin RoustVolunteer from Los Angeles, CA, is Dave Greim, who is showing off his Laurel and Hardy t-shirt. Fantastic!

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Meals on-the-go The many out-of-town guests, talent and helpers for this event meet early and late for special meals as they organized, set-up and, later, took down equipment, displayed items and merchandise made available for this event.
Our thanks to all talent and helpers for their efforts and comradery.

Our meals-staffer, Nancy Lawrence, with help from Larry Stendeback, moved boxed lunches to a nice lunchroom at Grace Cathedral. Meals were purchased from HyVee Groceries.Masked Zandra Myrick and members of Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra picked up their boxed lunches.Team-members who were at Grace Cathedral to set-up and run the show took time for lunch before the event's start at Grace Cathedral.Meals-teamster Nancy Lawrence helped pour iced tea at our lunch in a small classroom at Washburn University.Meal assistant volunteer ______ helped set up lunch at Washburn University on Saturday.Several staff members had lunch on Saturday at Washburn University.Many staff members and attendees from other states meet each other for breakfast at Annie's Place, Gage Center, Topeka, on the Sunday morning after our event was completed.

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Clean-up

Standard procedure is to clean up and haul everything away on Sunday after each festival. Weather had turned much milder after we started set-up on Thursday afternoon. By clean-up time on Sunday, some of us were out in shirt-sleeves. With lots of good help, cleaning up at White Concert Hall and moving items away worked smootlyl.

PLEASE NOTE: We were pleased to have our 25th LIVE Kansas Silent Film Festival, after putting off the celebration during 2021 (when we had a virtual event on TV, with the help of KTWU Public Television). COVID pandemic was still around this year, but masks and social distancing appears to have worked successfully to keep participants well, and we enjoyed seeing each other face-to-face although many faces were masked. We hope to see a large crowd next February, 2023!

Our stuff was mostly cleared out on Sunday morning after we'd had breakfast together, then met at White Concert Hall to finish off our event.Some things went to homes, but other stuff gets stored in a storage unit until next year.Staff works together to get stuff from vehicles into the storage unit.Karl Mischler rented a big truck when he arrived at K.C.I. and he really helped us when we needed to move items from-place-to-place.Louise Langberg, who had come from St. Paul, Minnesota, stayed and helped staff clean-up and move items. After working, she played frisbie with us at the storage facility.Louise Langberg chats with Bill Shaffer at the KSFF storage unit.Team members Brian Sanders, Melanie Lawrence, Karl Mischler and Zandra Myrick chat as our event ended with much warmer weather than it began.

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