From Friday 16 to Sunday 18 January 2026, Eindhoven will once again be the home of silent cinema during the ninth edition of the Netherlands Silent Film Festival (NSFF) at Natlab. Over the course of three days, the festival demonstrates the timeless power of silent film: rich in visual poetry, these stories remain strikingly relevant more than a century after they were made. Each screening is accompanied live by leading national and international musicians. Tickets for the nine film programmes are available via the festival website.
Top musicians bring films to life
During the festival, twelve national and international musicians provide live musical accompaniments for all screenings. Pianists Daan van den Hurk, Maud Nelissen and Meg Morley each bring their own distinctive musical style, enhancing the emotional impact of the films. Emma van Dobben and Sattar Alsaadi add a warm and distinctive sound with accordion, percussion, and flute. Also performing at the NSFF are Steven Henry (clarinet/bass clarinet), Maaike Peters (cello), Boris de Laet (drums), Steven Delannoye (saxophone), Bart Soeters (bass guitar), Frank van der Star (drums) and Ruben Drenth (trumpet). This rich mix of instruments and musical styles gives every film a unique soundscape that draws audiences straight into the story.
Cinematic highlights
This year’s film programme is once again highly diverse. The festival opens on Friday with Soleil et ombre(1922), a rare gem by French film star and director Musidora. Recently restored, the film depicts the dramatic struggle of a young maid betrayed by her fiancé, a famous bullfighter. Prior to the screening, film restorer Maria Fuentes will give an introduction to the restoration process, offering insight into how historic films are brought back to life.
The annual audience favourite Slapstick Saturday also returns, featuring Harold Lloyd’s fast-paced and joyful comedy Girl Shy (1924). Packed with daring stunts, chases and impeccable comic timing, the film showcases exactly what made Lloyd a legend. A treat for both devoted silent-film fans and newcomers alike. On Sunday afternoon, the spotlight is on the very first feature-length animated film: Die Abenteuer des Prinzen Achmed(1926) by pioneering female filmmaker Lotte Reiniger. Her iconic silhouette animation, inspired by One Thousand and One Nights, leads audiences through enchanted landscapes, wondrous characters, and timeless fantasy.
Tickets and more information
Tickets for individual screenings cost €17.50; students pay €14.50. Cineville pass holders can attend screenings for just €8. Day tickets and festival passes are also available. The full programme of the Netherlands Silent Film Festival 2026 can be found on the festival website.