Cine-concert Aurora

Aurora (Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans, 1927), directed by F.W. Murnau, is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of early cinema. The story follows a farmer (George O'Brien) who falls under the spell of a femme fatale from the city (Janet Gaynor), who persuades him to murder his wife. However, the film transforms into a profound meditation on love, remorse, and redemption. Its distinctive visual style, masterful use of light, and groundbreaking camera movement have influenced generations of filmmakers.

At the very first Academy Awards in 1929, Aurora received the Oscar for Best Unique and Artistic Picture, a one-time-only category. Actress Janet Gaynor also won the Oscar for Best Actress, and the film was honored with the award for Best Cinematography.

The film will be accompanied live by pianist John Sweeney, who has been composing and performing live music for silent films for nearly thirty years. Originally from New Zealand, Sweeney now lives in London. In the UK, he has performed live scores for silent films at Riverside Studio Cinemas, the National Film Theatre, Nottingham Broadway, and the Barbican Centre. Internationally, he has appeared at prestigious festivals including Il Cinema Ritrovato in Bologna, Le Giornate del Cinema Muto in Pordenone, Italy, as well as film events in Austria, Germany, Italy, and Slovenia.

The TIFF.24 cine-concerts are made possible with the support of MOL Romania.