NZIFF Live Cinema: The Kid, The Immigrant and Lonesome

Overview

While the full programme for this year’s NZ International Film Festival is yet to be announced, two events have been unveiled that are set to delight those in tune with both movies and music.

The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s annual involvement with the festival sees them recreate the score of classic films in real time. This year will be no different as the ensemble take on the film score of Charlie Chaplin’s 1921 classic The Kid and his 1917 short The Immigrant. Conductor Marc Taddei will lead the orchestra through Chaplin's own score for The Kid as well as a new score by American-born composer Timothy Brock for The Immigrant.

The Kid was Charlie Chaplin’s first feature-length film. As well as starring as his most recognised character The Tramp, he directed, produced and composed the score. It was also one of the first major films to combine comedic and dramatic moments. The Immigrant was one of the last short films Chaplin made before stepping up to feature-length films.

Also taking on the composition task will be the country’s reigning king of indie-pop, Lawrence Arabia. Usually found creating peppy ‘60s-drenched pop, Arabia will attempt to translate modernist rhythms of the early 20th century in a new score for the rarely-screened 1928 film Lonesome. He will be joined by Auckland cinematic jazz ensemble Carnivorous Plant Society.

Directed by Hungarian director Paul Fejos, the silent-film is set in New York City during the Fourth of July holiday.

The New Zealand International Film Festival has been taking place across the country since 2009 with a programme of 150-170 cinematic features. Tickets are on sale from Friday 26 June. NZIFF screens in Auckland from 16 July to 2 August.