A RENOWNED silent movies expert will present a season of faith-based films starting next week (Tuesday, January 8).

Dr David Williams, who was made an MBE for services to media studies in the North-East, will begin his series ‘Films of Faith in the Silent Cinema’ on Tuesday at 7.30pm with a screening of ‘From the Manger to the Cross’.

The film was made 100 years ago by an American crew who travelled to the Holy Land to re-enact the life of Jesus on traditional sites.

It will be introduced by Dr Williams and Rev Shaun Swithenbank, while George Hetherington will provide musical accompaniment.

The 11-week series continues on Tuesday, January 15, with the epic 1912 Italian production ‘Quo Vadis?’, which had its British premiere at the Royal Albert Hall with King George V and Queen Mary in the audience.

Most films will be screened in Clayport Library, Millennium Place, Durham City. However, the first and last will be shown in Elvet Methodist Church, Old Elvet.

Admission is free for all. At screenings in the church, a collection will be taken for church funds.

For more information, call Clayport Library on 0191-3864003.