FILMS FOR CHILDREN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 29, 4 February 1937, Page 13

FILMS FOR CHILDREN.

CONFERENCE TO DISCUSS.

t Interesting mention is made in the National Council News" of what is termed "partial advances" towards what is required" in films for children 4 workable system is aimed at in England to cover the whole problem of attendances of children at pictures, and a number of efforts have been made throughout the country to provide a fuller supply of attractive films, with more facilities for special performances at times convenient to the exhibitor and the voune audiences, also at a price within "reach of the children. Exhibitors, teachers, and voluntary societies have considered this difficult question, but the performances arranged have not, so far, been regarded by the trade as a commercial proposition. 'The matinees, through members of the teaching profession or interested voluntary organisations, are, as a rule, helped financially in some ways. The Public Morality Council and the Cinema Christian Council held a joint conference on the subject of children's entertainments.' Several headmasters -and social workers described; successful results obtained; and there are a large number of towns, "ito the northern counties of England where selected programmes of films for children are now being provided by one or two cinema companies. On November 20 a conference on a large scale was held by the British Film Institute. Representatives attended from 95 ; organisations — educational, religious, social; 'also organisations connected with the cinema trade. Mr. S. Harris, of the Home Office, gave a helpful address.

An afternoon was given to the trade, members of which recounted the attempts they had made to cope with the question. The discussions showed the keen and real interest taken by all present in the subjects brought forward, and on the following morning the conference met at the Mctropolc Cinema, Victoria, to view -a matinee, which was attended bv over 1000 children.

A second under the auspices of the Public Morality and the Cinema Christian Councils will be held on February 19. The report states that it is probable that before that date some constructive policy will be in progress on a wider scale than has hitherto been attempted.