The Adventures of Prince Achmed (dir. Lotte Reiniger, 1926, 75 min.) is the oldest surviving feature-length animated film. Created through exquisite paper silhouettes and inspired by One Thousand and One Nights, the film transforms myth, magic, and adventure into a pioneering work of visual poetry—one that laid the foundation for experimental and artistic animation.

Tonight’s screening will be accompanied live by The Anvil Orchestra, a silent-film ensemble featuring two members of the world-renowned Alloy Orchestra: Terry Donahue and Roger Clark Miller. Known for their percussion-driven original scores, The Anvil Orchestra draws on an array of unusual sound sources alongside accordion, musical saw, electronics, and orchestral keyboards. More information about The Anvil Orchestra can be found at https://theanvilorchestra.com/.

This event is made possible by the Department of Art, Film and Media Studies, and the Department of Music.

Photo Credit: Joanne Kaliontzis