The Norwich Film Festival Presents: The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920) + MINIMA Live Score

Following the incredible performances of Nosferatu and The Phantom of the Opera, MINIMA are returning to the Norwich Playhouse to celebrate the masterpiece of German Expressionism, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), accompanying the film with a chilling original live score.

Made in the aftermath of the First World War, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is the quintessential silent horror. Robert Wiene’s distorted sets, sinister shadows, and unnerving characters created a paranoid, unreal world at a time of despair throughout Europe. The story follows the mysterious Dr. Caligari and his somnambulist, Cesare, who predicts the future by day and commits grizzly murders by night.

With its jagged architecture and hallucinogenic atmosphere, the film broke all the rules of cinema upon its release. It is considered the “first true horror film” and serves as a chilling reflection of a fractured post-war society.

MINIMA have specialised in live accompaniment to screenings of silent films since 2006. The Bristol-based four-piece ensemble are known for their bold and unique live sound with instrumentation including cello, double bass, mandolin, guitar, dulcimer, synthesiser, and percussion to strike a thrilling relationship with the images of the 1920s. Their soundtrack to Caligari stalks the film, perfectly capturing its unsettling depiction of mistrust and madness, creating a truly immersive audio-visual experience.

This screening is part of Norwich Film Festival 2026, showcasing a range of features, shorts, panels, workshops & more in venues across Norwich from 6th – 15th November 2026.