To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the passing of legendary Italian silent film actor Rudolph Valentino, a special screening of Silent Life: The Story of the Lady in Black took place on the evening of February 16, 2026 at The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever in Los Angeles.
The film was introduced by legendary actor Franco Nero, who had received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame just two days before the screening.
Nero also attended the red carpet and, to the audience's delight, remained for the entire presentation.
The evening paid tribute not only to Valentino’s enduring legacy but also to the mystique that has surrounded his memory for a century. Nero lent his voice to the film’s central character, masterfully portrayed on screen by director and actor Vlad Kozlov, delivering a performance that deeply captivated the audience.
Directed by Kozlov, who also stars as Rudolph Valentino, the poetic film is partially set within the grounds of Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The choice of venue was far from accidental: Valentino himself is interred there, making the screening both cinematic and commemorative.
Silent Life: The Story of the Lady in Black tells the mysterious and moving story of the “Woman in Black,” believed to have mourned Valentino for decades after his death. The film presents a timeless narrative of devotion, fame, mystery, remembrance and Old Hollywood romance.
The red carpet welcomed filmmakers, guests, and cinema enthusiasts who gathered to honor the legacy of one of Hollywood’s earliest superstars. The evening concluded with a standing ovation, a heartfelt tribute to Franco Nero, the film, the cast led by Vlad Kozlov and the enduring myth of Rudolph Valentino.
This screening was a poignant proof that, even a century later, Rudolph Valentino's legend continues to captivate audiences around the world.
