Life and Deaths of Max Linder

After-screening Q&A with the director.

Max Linder was the first true international film star—celebrated across France, Europe, and Hollywood. Even Charlie Chaplin hailed him as a mentor. He was also astonishingly lucky, escaping death five times in near-miraculous ways. And yet, at the height of his career, he took his own life alongside his beloved wife. How could this happen? In Life and Deaths of Max Linder, Edward Porembny embarks on a cinematic investigation, unraveling the mystery behind the tragic fate of the silent film pioneer. Using artificial intelligence and neural networks, he combines archival footage with modern recreations, designed to appear as though they belong to the past. For the first time in film history, the audience is transported—almost literally—back to the 1920s and the glittering belle époque, a world that masked its shadows beneath glamorous gilding.

Edward Porembny

Edward Porembny is a Polish director, screenwriter, and producer whose work seamlessly blends documentary and feature filmmaking, often tackling social and cultural themes. His films, screened at international festivals, are distinguished by their sharp insight and universal storytelling. Collaborating with global studios, he has worked on projects across Europe, Africa, and Asia. His body of work reflects not only artistic passion but also deep engagement with pressing contemporary issues.