Eight unmissable films at HippFest 2026

The 16th edition of HippFest, the festival of silent films, takes place at the Hippodrome Cinema in Bo’ness between 18 and 22 March. Some of the films included in the programme are accompanied by live music, some will be shown on the steam railway station platform and some will available to watch from home.

Festival Director Alison Strauss said: “We cannot wait to welcome audiences to the 16th edition of HippFest. This year’s programme contains a wealth of musical talent, both Scottish and international, with a spectacular selection of silent film, from rediscovered classics to revelatory new discoveries. Whoever you are and wherever you’re from we invite you to join the Festival community. You’ll discover not only great films and live music but also the beautiful town of Bo’ness and the surrounding region where each day is packed with screenings, activities and opportunities to get involved. We hope you’ll join us for this celebration of cinema at its best.”

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said: “HippFest continues to bring clear benefits to Bo’ness and the wider area, attracting visitors to the area and supporting the town centre during the Festival week. It also plays an important role in raising the profile of the Hippodrome as a nationally recognised cultural venue.
“The 2026 programme reflects the Festival’s strong reputation for quality and international collaboration, while remaining firmly rooted in place. It shows how well-run cultural events can support local communities and offer distinctive experiences for residents and visitors alike as well as boosting the local economy.”

Tickets go on sale on 4 February at 12 noon at this link.

The festival has an extensive programme of films and workshops over the five days, so here are eight films which stand out.

Finis Terre

The ungovernable natural world is highlighted with Jean Epstein’s Finis Terrae (1929) in which four seaweed farmers set up camp on a bleak island off the Breton coast. Presented in collaboration with Cinetopia, the screening is the world premiere of a newly composed original score by Edinburgh-based multi-instrumentalist Dan Abrahams (who is well known to participants of the monthly cycle ride, Edinburgh Critical Mass), and French drummer Philippe Boudot. The folk-infused score will illuminate the thrilling elemental rhythm of this land and seascape.

Film screening 18 March 4pm to 5.30pm.

Fante-Anne

On 18 March the festival opens with Fante-Anne (1920) with special appearances by Dina Konradsen and Jo Einar Tobian Sterten Jansen. This was Norway’s first indigenous film and marked the beginning of a national romantic cinema movement. Konradsen and Jansen combine the traditional form music with modern electronica to build a soundscape which bridges past and present. After the film the audience is invited to an after party or Folkemølje at Linlithgow Burgh Halls, where there will be a dance workshop and club night with folk music mixed with club culture. The film is presented in partnership with Tromsø Silent Film Days.

• Film screening – 18 March from 7.00pm to 8.30pm
• After Party from 9.15pm to 11.15pm

Kidnapped

Robert Louis Stevenson’s adventure story never gets old, and this is a chance to see the 1920 film with John Sweeney providing live piano accompaniment.

The young David Balfour is tricked by his wicked uncle and sold into slavery, but following a shipwreck he teams up with Jacobite rebel, Allan Breck Stewart, and returns to claim his inheritance.

Film screening – 19 March 2pm to 3.15pm

April Fool

This screening is a world premiere of a new restoration of the 1926 movie examining the story of immigrants arriving in New York in the 1920s. Despite the serious subject this is a light hearted tale and will be set to live musical accompaniment by pianist, composer and improviser, Meg Morley.

Film screening – 20 March from 12.30pm to 2.00pm.

Why Be Good?

Dress up for the Friday Night Gala screening of Why Be Good? which includes a champagne reception before the film and a flapper-themed after party. Live accompaniment will be provided by Meg Morley and Frank Bockius.

Film screening – 20 March from 8pm to 9.45pm.

A Phantom Tram Ride Around the UK

Especially for Edinburgh tram lovers there is a showing of A Phantom Tram Ride Around the UK compiled between 1898 and 1924.

Dr Lawrence Napper guides audiences through the city streets of Britain from the majestic – and slow – vantage point of the new electric trams in an entertaining and informative show accompanied by Mike Nolan and featuring glimpses of Glasgow and Rothesay at the beginning of the 20th century. What makes this screening extra special is that it will be shown outdoors on the platform at Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway on Union Street – under the platform awning.

Film screening 21 March from 7.30pm to 8.30pm with food served from 6.45pm

The Bat

Saturday night’s feature film is an ‘Old Dark House’ thriller. The Bat (1926) is a horror comedy that is said to have inspired artist Bob Kane for the design of the Caped Crusader’s alter ego.

With notable art direction by Oscar winner William Cameron Menzies, and stunning photography by Arthur Edeson (Casablanca) and Gregg Toland (Citizen Kane), Stephen Horne will provide live accompaniment on piano for an evening of thrills and chills.

Film screening 21 March from 9.45 to 11.15pm.

Laurel & Hardy Double Bill

For those who are just dipping their toes in the water at this festival, look no further than the double bill of hilarity from Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. These are two newly restored rarities featuring the world’s best-loved comedy team. HippFest presents the world premiere of the new restoration of With Love and Hisses (1927) featuring local connection James Finlayson. The second is Slipping Wives (1927) in which audiences can expect farcical mishaps, mistaken identities and pantomime antics.

Film screening 22 March from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

The festival is a Falkirk Council project, and is supported by Screen Scotland and Creative Scotland, with additional support from National Lottery funding through Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network.

The Hippodrome Cinema in Bo’ness is a stunning pre-art deco picture palace dating back to 1912. In 2009, following a major restoration, it was reopened with digital and 35mm projectors and a state-of-the-art sound system, a café and licensed bar, and is a four-star VisitScotland attraction. The Hippodrome has a year-round screening programme of new releases, family blockbusters, classics, international, independent, archive and art-house films. The cinema was recently awarded a grant from Screen Scotland’s Cinema Equipment Fund to further upgrade the projection and sound equipment. The Hippodrome was named “Best Cinema Experience in Scotland” in the 2019 Scottish Hospitality Awards and shortlisted for Cinema of the Year at the 2019 Screen Awards.
www.hippodromecinema.co.uk