Silent film for KS5 Film Studies

Study day offering clear guidance on the aesthetics and techniques of different silent film movements.

Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927)

Date: 8 December 2025
Time: 10:30am to 3:00pm
Location: BFI Southbank

Event details

Suitable for all KS5 film students, this study day offers insights into the aesthetics of different silent film movements, including German expressionism, Soviet montage, constructivism and surrealism, as well as how these influenced early Hollywood cinema.

Films used will include: Sunrise (1927), The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari (1920), Man With A Movie Camera (1929) and the films of Buster Keaton including The General (1929) and Cops (1922). We will examine these films’ innovative aesthetic styles and provide clear explanations of the historical, social and cultural contexts that influenced them.

In the afternoon, we plan to screen Sunrise — A Song of Two Humans (1927) with live piano accompaniment, followed by a Q&A with the pianist.

Our in-venue events take place in one of the BFI’s auditoriums, school groups are encouraged to engage in an interactive lecture where learning activities using clips are designed to pique interest. Students are supported to share their thoughts and ideas helping to build confidence and deepen understanding.

Booking information

You can book this study day from 1 September 2025.

To book call 020 7849 4451 and pay using a credit/debit card or download, print and return the booking form with cheque or card details. We cannot reserve seats, send invoices or accept BACS payments.

Schools which have over 20% of students receiving free school meals should ask about a discount when booking.

Please book by 4pm, two working days before the event. However, we recommend booking earlier to avoid disappointment.

For any queries, please email schools@bfi.org.uk.

Prices

The study day costs £12.50 per student.

Accompanying teachers / adults are charged £1 per 5 students — otherwise student rate applies.

Teachers attending without students cost £40.