Centennial Celebration for 'The Hussar of Death': Iconic 1925 Chilean Silent Film Receives 4K Restoration

The landmark 1925 Chilean silent feature, El Húsar de la Muerte (The Hussar of Death), is marking its hundredth anniversary with a significant 4K digital restoration. This cinematic masterpiece, which stands as the sole surviving full-length silent film from Chile, was both directed by and starred the renowned Pedro Sienna. The narrative chronicles the heroic exploits of the patriot Manuel Rodríguez during the turbulent Reconquista period, concluding with his tragic death in 1818. Recognizing its profound cultural value, the film, originally produced under the banner of Andes Films, was officially designated a National Historical Monument in 1998 via Decree No. 742 issued by the Ministry of Education.

The painstaking 4K restoration was carried out by the Cineteca of the University of Chile. Crucially, the team utilized the original nitrate film prints, allowing them to achieve a technical image quality that far surpasses earlier restoration efforts undertaken in 1962 and 1995. This highly detailed work involved several complex steps: stabilizing the frame, eliminating flicker, and meticulously removing accumulated dirt, scratches, and fungal damage. This successful preservation effort highlights the film’s critical role as a historical and cultural cornerstone of Chilean identity. Financial support for this ambitious project was provided by the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage through its Program for the Support of Audiovisual Heritage Conservation.

The highly anticipated premiere of the newly restored version is scheduled for November 21, 2025. Fittingly, the screening will be held in the Main Hall of the Central Building of the University of Chile, precisely where the film first debuted a century prior in 1925. Adding to the historical resonance, the event will feature a live accompaniment of the film's original score. This music was composed by Sergio Ortega in 1963, and its original notation was recently recovered and painstakingly restored by Professor Juan Manuel Quinteros, working alongside the Department of Music of the Faculty of Arts. Maestro Ortega, who was born in Antofagasta in 1938, is celebrated for his pioneering style that seamlessly blends academic rigor with popular musical forms.

Featuring Pedro Sienna in the starring role of Manuel Rodríguez and showcasing the cinematography of Gustavo Bussenius, this film remains a foundational piece of Chilean silent cinema history. Contemporary critics recognized its quality; reviewers from the publication Zig-Zag remarked upon the “impression of an argument conceived with intelligence and well developed.” Beyond the gala premiere, the centennial celebration encompasses several major initiatives designed to maximize the film's reach and educational impact. These plans include a nationwide tour of the film, the development of a didactic guide released as a digital educational resource, and the production of a documentary film. This accompanying documentary will delve into the archival materials used and detail the complexities of the restoration process itself.