In the workshops, the children were enthusiastic as they learned mime and had a lot of fun walking and moving like Charlie Chaplin’s famous character The Tramp.

Yet what was most interesting was how eager both the parents and children were in wanting to see and know more about silent films.

I think many people would be surprised to know that silent films are probably more powerful and influential today than they’ve ever been.

It’s interesting to note that Geoffrey Rush’s favourite film is City Lights – a Charlie Chaplin film.

And that the popular TV show Mr Bean, is basically a silent comedy where the character gets his laughs simply from the way he moves.

That’s because when it’s free of sound, gesture starts to become more significant and much more emotive.

Just like listening to a good musical score or watching dance, it can become easy to escape and get caught up in a world of just images and music. Right now, there’s a brilliant film that’s been generating a lot of praise around the world called The Artist.

It’s about to be released in Australia today having just been nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including best picture.

What makes it’s popularity so dazzling and maybe baffling, is that it’s actually a black-and-white silent film with a musical soundtrack and no dialogue!

Although it’s achieved a lot of international success, the Bendigo Cinemas and Star Cinema have made the move not to show the film at the present time.

However, I’d like to encourage those that enjoyed the exhibition to see The Artist when they get the chance.

It’s recent success is a reminder that the simple and universal art of pantomime has the ability to communicate so powerfully and emotively, in both life and in art.

And in our stressful world where there is so much noise and so many distractions that prevent us from being still or silent, such a movie experience might actually speak louder to you than expected.

CALLUM HEALEY,

Eaglehawk