Image
A Cinematic Time Machine: Double Bill of René Clair’s Surreal Visions
Tags For: A Cinematic Time Machine: Double Bill of René Clair’s Surreal Visions
- Film
- Ticket Required
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Location: Gartner Auditorium
Suzanne and Paul Westlake Performing Arts Center
Suzanne and Paul Westlake Performing Arts Center
Ticket Required
Image courtesy of the Cleveland Silent Film Festival
About The Event
Presented in conjunction with the CMA’s exhibition Rose Iron Works and Art Deco and in celebration of the centenary of the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, the moment that birthed the bold elegance of Art Deco, the Cleveland Silent Film Festival and Colloquium presents two avant-garde masterpieces by visionary filmmaker René Clair, brought thrillingly to life with live music performed by Philip Carli and Eric Charnofsky.
First, drift through a dreamlike Paris suspended in time in Paris Qui Dort (1925), Clair’s poetic sci-fi comedy, accompanied by the vibrant compilation score first heard at the film’s Parisian premiere. Then, lose yourself in the surreal spectacle of Entr’acte (1924), Clair’s riotous Dadaist short, performed with a piano four-hands version of Erik Satie’s playful, groundbreaking score just as it was originally experienced.
These two landmark films echo the spirit of experimentation and aesthetic innovation that defined the Art Deco movement and continue to inspire a century later. Don’t miss this mesmerizing afternoon that combines cinema, music, and design in a celebration of timeless modernity.
The event is preceded by a panel discussion—moderated by pianist Eric Charnofsky (Cleveland, OH)—on silent film music by some of the best local and regional practitioners of the art: Philip Carli (Rochester, NY), Rodney Sauer (Louisville, CO), David Blazer (Cleveland, OH), and Donnie Rankin (Ravenna, OH).
More information about the Cleveland Silent Film Festival can be found on the organization’s website (opens in a new tab).
The views expressed by performers during this event are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Ticket Prices
Additional discounts may apply. Member benefits vary depending on level.
Festival Pass
Guests have the option to purchase tickets to individual screenings or to buy a festival pass, which allows purchasers to attend all screenings at the Cleveland Museum of Art at a discounted fee. In addition to the four screenings at the CMA, the festival pass includes admission to the screening of Faust on September 27 at 9:00 p.m. at the Cleveland Cinematheque. Festival pass holders must bring their festival pass to the Cinematheque box office to receive their ticket for the Faust screening.
A festival pass costs $105 for nonmembers and $90 for members.
Sponsors
The 2025–26 Performing Arts Series is sponsored by the Musart Society. This program is made possible in part by the Ernest L. and Louise M. Gartner Fund, the P. J. McMyler Musical Endowment Fund, and the Anton and Rose Zverina Music Fund.
The Cleveland Museum of Art is funded in part by residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
Performing arts programs are supported in part by the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts.
