DIFF is thrilled to be presenting this discussion on silent cinema with musicians Stephen Horne and Frank Bockius as part of our expanded programme on silent cinema.

Stephen Horne has long been internationally considered one of the leading silent film accompanists. Although principally a pianist, he often incorporates other instruments into his performances, sometimes simultaneously. Stephen has been a house pianist at London’s BFI Southbank for thirty-five years.

Versatile percussionist Frank Bockius specialises in jazz and is versed in medieval, flamenco and Latin music styles. He has performed for dance and theatre companies as well as in his own bands, including the jazz quintet Whisper Hot and the percussion ensemble Timpanicks. He joined Guenter Buchwald’s Silent Movie Music Company twenty years ago and has since performed for silent films at festivals in Kyoto, Pordenone, and Sodankylä, Finland.

Don’t miss this exhilarating panel or the beautiful silent films with live accompaniment as part of DIFF 2026.