SPANISH FILMS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 58, 1 December 1934, Page 7

SPANISH FILMS

Progress of Industry

Film production in Spain has at last begun in real earnest,- states a correspondent of the “Observer.” For years national pride has suffered sorely. 1 Why a country so movie mad should have shown so little activity in the realm of film production has been inexplicable even to itself. Press and public have been lamenting for years. For years they have deplored the steady and certain permeation of the mind of the people with the foreigner’s customs, his sentiments, and his history, above all with his language.

The process of awakening has been slow. And yet as far back as four years ago, when the sound film had only just made its appearance, and few had envisaged its tremendous possibilities, an enterprising Spanish firm planned the making of a Spanish, talkie with a Spanish story and Spanish artists. There were then no sound studios in Spain, but no time was lost. A popular author and composer were called in. Scenario and incidental music were prepared, and artists were engaged and taken across to English studios. The film was received with great enthusiasm by both Press and public, and it was demonstrated that Spain would welcome, even extend, great indulgence to any film which would really represent the nation, its spirit and language. American firms have frequently attempted to fill the gap. A decisive move was made some time ago when the Hispano - Americano Cinematograph Congress was celebrated in Madrid Delegates were outspoken. Spain was the only country in the world which had done nothing to foster a home industry. more important still, had done nothing to see that its language, manners, and customs were not swamped on the screen by the foreigner. It was time she put her shoulder to the wheel. The alarm was sounded. . So important was the matter considered that a Cabinet Minister presided at the opening meeting of the congress. The outcome has been the announcement that the Government is going to set up a Consejo de Cinematografia (Cinematograph Advisory Board) which will act as a beneficent godmother, look after the interests of the industry, and regulate it. Moreover. a Quota Bill has been promised. Of course, as elsewhere, capital has been nervous. . It was difficult to see how the vast sums of money to be expended could show a return, for, in spite of South America, in film terms, the Spanish-speaking market is small. However, obstacle after obstacle has been overcome, and to-day Spain can boast of five or six sound studios which can compete in equipment with the most up-to-date studios in the world. So, from an average of three films a year, the number has suddenly sprung up to 17 in the last six months, and it is estimated that before the year closes the figures will have risen to 40. The Quota Bill is now regarded as a certainty, with the result that both home and foreign capital are turning their attention to the new-born industry. Moro studios are talked of. and more ambitious programmes are announced. But critics have issued a severe warning. So far publie and Press, anxious to foster and encourage, have been indulgent. But this will not last indefinitely. The industry is now well started. The foreigner has set a certain standard. The home article must not think it can consistently fall below with impunity. In future Spanish films must be worthy of themselves and of the country they represent.