The Art of the Benshi

Benshi, derived from katsudō benshi or "movie talker," were the captivating narrators of Japan's silent film era. With over 7,000 benshi at their peak, these artists not only introduced films but also provided live narration and portrayed characters, filling theaters and enthralling audiences.

Now, after a century, this singular art form returns, giving contemporary audiences a rare chance to be immersed in an enchanting cinematic tradition. This program includes screenings of classic, newly restored, and rarely seen silent films from Japan and the US, featuring the artistic interpretations of three different benshi, performing individually as well as together. This series, programmed in conjunction with the UCLA Film & Television Archive and the Yanai Initiative for Globalizing Japanese Humanities, offers an extremely rare opportunity to experience a fascinating and often overlooked chapter of movie history.