The Cinephile Film Club of the Entertainment Society of Goa is set to offer audiences a rare and immersive cinematic experience on Thursday, 19 February, at 6.30 pm, with a special screening of Nosferatu at Maquinez Palace Theatre, Panjim.
Directed by the legendary F. W. Murnau, Nosferatu remains one of the most influential works in the history of cinema. Released in 1922, the silent horror classic is a defining example of German Expressionism, celebrated for its haunting visuals, dramatic shadows, and deeply atmospheric storytelling. Though an unofficial adaptation of Dracula by Bram Stoker, the film carved its own identity, becoming a cornerstone of horror cinema.
Over the past century, there have been numerous reinterpretations of the Dracula legend across film industries worldwide. Yet Murnau’s Nosferatu endures as a cinematic landmark — not because it relies on dialogue or sound effects, but because it demonstrates the power of pure visual storytelling. The chilling silhouette of Count Orlok ascending a staircase remains one of the most iconic images in film history.
What makes this screening truly special is the live musical accompaniment. In the early 20th century, silent films were rarely screened in silence. Pianists and small ensembles would perform live, interpreting the film’s emotional landscape in real time. This Thursday’s screening aims to recreate that tradition.
The live score will be performed by cellist Martin Melendez, who studied music in Cuba, alongside accomplished pianist Guy Hershberg, who will perform on piano and synthesizer. The duo will improvise throughout the screening, responding intuitively to the shifting moods of the film — from quiet dread to stark beauty. Because the music is improvised, each performance becomes unique, ensuring that this is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Live accompaniment transforms the act of viewing into something communal and immediate. The musicians do not merely support the film; they engage in a dialogue with it, heightening tension, amplifying emotion, and occasionally allowing silence itself to resonate.
Through curated screenings such as this, the Cinephile Film Club continues its commitment to bringing meaningful cinema to audiences across Goa — extending beyond the festival circuit and fostering year-round film appreciation.
For film lovers, music enthusiasts, and anyone curious about cinema’s origins, this screening offers an opportunity to rediscover how movies once felt: intimate, experimental, and alive.
Screening Details:
📅 19 February
⏰ 6.30 pm
📍 Maquinez Palace Theatre, Panjim
🎟 Tickets available at the venue on a first-come, first-served basis.
