St Matthew’s has announced its Silent Night Competition, an exciting new project that invites filmmakers to reclaim the art of silent film. Generously supported by Paisley 2021, the competition forms part of a wider nouveau arts programme, St Matthew’s Presents, which takes place during the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2017.

Submitted films be will screened at Silent Night, a unique event on Thu 19 Oct at St Matthew’s in Paisley. Donald MacKenzie, an experienced musician and house organist for the Odeon, Leicester Square, will score and improvise live musical accompaniment to all films on an original Norman and Beard organ, and a panel of judges will present a cash prize of £250, sponsored by Penny Lane Homes, to the winning entry. The evening will conclude with the classic comedy The General, starring Buster Keaton, accompanied by a live score.

The competition is open to everyone, and St Matthew’s encourages every community, school, organisation and individual in Paisley and beyond to take part in the competition. Submissions should be completed by 28 September.

Jamie Goodwin, Project Manager for St Matthew’s Presents, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for professional and amateur film makers alike to have their work professionally scored by an exceptional musician and experience it live on St Matthew’s famous Norman and Beard organ. We’re excited to host such an exciting and unique event that will hopefully capture the imaginations of local people.”

Donald Mackenzie said: “I am profoundly thankful to St Matthew’s for this opportunity, I’m very excited as to the outcome of this project and cannot wait to start working on the film entries, as they become available, and performing live to the feature film”

You can find out more details about the competition by contacting Jamie Goodwin via email at paisleystmatthews@gmail.com. See full listings for our Renfrewshire programme, including all the St Matthew’s Presents events, here.