By Councilwoman Marsha McLean
For over two hundred years, Santa Clarita has been home to filmmakers and creatives. It comes as no surprise that, before long, Hollywood also fell in love with our City and the unique and diverse filming locations it provides. From rugged canyons and expansive ranches to scenic open spaces, Santa Clarita has long offered a versatile backdrop for storytelling on the silver screen.
Dating back to the early 20th century, silent film productions were among the first to recognize the cinematic potential of our region. Early pioneers such as Charlie Chaplin, Harry Carey and William S. Hart brought their stories to life against Santa Clarita’s natural landscapes, helping to establish our City as a destination for the growing motion picture industry across all genres. That legacy continues today, with modern productions like Iron Man, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Oppenheimer and 2026 Oscar winner, One Battle After Another, demonstrating the versatility of Santa Clarita as a filming location.
Each year, our community comes together to celebrate silent films at the Newhallywood Silent Film Festival. This year, the festival will be taking place from Friday, May 22, through Sunday, May 24, and will honor the work of Rudolph Valentino and F.W. Murnau. The festival offers a unique opportunity to explore the early days of silent filmmaking and Santa Clarita’s role in shaping the industry. It is both a celebration of our past and a reflection of the creativity that continues to define our City.
Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy a thoughtfully curated lineup of silent film screenings, live musical accompaniment and engaging discussions that bring the era to life. Films will be shown at venues throughout Old Town Newhall, including the Newhall Family Theatre for the Performing Arts (24607 Walnut Street, 91321) and The MAIN (24266 Main Street, 91321), creating an immersive experience in the heart of our Arts and Entertainment District.
One of the highlights of the festival is the opportunity to experience silent films as they were originally intended…on the big screen, enhancing the emotion and storytelling of each scene. These presentations offer a deeper appreciation for the artistry and innovation that defined early cinema. In addition to screenings, festivalgoers can take part in special programming such as a Hollywood Forever Cemetery Tour, expert presentations and special anniversary screenings. This year, five of the films we will be screening are celebrating monumental years: Faust, A Page of Madness, The Son of the Sheik and The Adventures of Prince Achmed are turning 100 years old, and Mel Brooks’ A Silent Movie is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The festival also includes late-night screenings as part of its “Silent Screams” series, offering a different perspective on silent cinema through classic suspense and horror films. This year’s scary movie screenings will be F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu and Kinugasa’s A Page of Madness.
The Newhallywood Silent Film Festival is a reminder that Santa Clarita’s relationship with the film industry is not just part of our past; it is an ongoing story that continues to evolve. Events like this reflect the character of our City: a place that values creativity, honors its history and brings people together through shared experiences around the big screen. Whether you are a longtime film enthusiast or attending for the first time, there is something to discover and appreciate throughout the weekend.
I encourage you to join us May 22 through May 24 and experience this celebration of cinema and community. For more information and a full schedule of events, please visit SantaClaritaArts.com/Newhallywood.
Councilwoman Marsha McLean is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at MMcLean@santaclarita.gov.
