The Art of Silence (L’art du silence)
This uplifting and resonant documentary about legendary mime Marcel Marceau provides insights into his role in the French Resistance during World War II, smuggling Jewish children to safety in Switzerland. Marceau’s family shares stories about his multi-faceted life and commitment to teaching new generations of performers to explore “the art of silence.”
The film recalls Marceau’s brilliance in scenes that show his remarkable ability to convey complex, emotionally rich narratives through gestures. The filmmaker was inspired to make this documentary by his own father, Christoph Staerkle, a Swiss mime who was born deaf.
Generous support for this film festival has been provided by Isabelle and Eric Mayer and Lois and George Stark.
The MFAH film department is supported by Tenaris; the Vaughn Foundation; The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea; Nina and Michael Zilkha; Consulate General of Italy in Houston; Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles; Consulate General of Brazil in Houston; Franci Neely; Carrin Patman and Jim Derrick; Ms. Laurence Unger; L’Alliance Française de Houston; and ILEX Foundation.
The Art of Silence (L’art du silence)
Directed by Maurizius Staerkle Drux
(Switzerland, Germany, 2022, 81 minutes, in German, English, and French with English subtitles)
Brown Auditorium Theater