NSFF | The Enchanting World of Soleil et Ombre

Join us for an illustrated introduction to digital film restoration led by expert curator Maria Fuentes. Experience two captivating films that showcase her work: the main feature, "Soleil et Ombre," a masterpiece by French superstar Musidora, tells the tragic story of a young maid betrayed by her fiancé, a famous bullfighter, who falls for an exotic foreign woman. Every year, the Netherlands Silent Film Festival presents recent discoveries and restorations from film archives and laboratories worldwide. Discover the meticulous process behind restoring these cinematic treasures as Maria Fuentes takes you backstage, sharing her expertise and the tools she uses, as well as her collaborations with various film archives. This talk will be enriched with film clips, followed by screenings of two restorations: the short film "Jane’s Declaration of Independence," which tells the story of a young woman defying her father's wishes to marry the soldier she loves, and the main film "Soleil et Ombre." Based on the short story "L’Espagnole" by Maria Star and co-directed, adapted, and produced by Musidora, "Soleil et Ombre" is a visually stunning film that narrates a passionate love triangle. Set in Toledo and Écija, it unfolds the tragic tale of Juana, engaged to the renowned bullfighter Antonio, who is seduced by a foreign woman, leading to rejection and vengeance. Maria Fuentes has been a film restorer in the Netherlands since 2009, specializing in film preservation. Partnering with the San Francisco Film Preserve, she has worked with various esteemed archives and also teaches film restoration at the Elías Querejeta Zine Eskola in San Sebastián. Don't miss out on an entire weekend of silent films and live music! Choose a day pass or a festival pass to immerse yourself in the world of early cinema.