FILM INSTITUTE

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 98, 27 April 1935, Page 6

FILM INSTITUTE

FIRST ANNUAL REPORT

The first annual report of the Wellington Film Institute reveals that the past year has resulted in considerable advancement for the organisation despite the fact that the membership still remains small. Though the subscription was fixed at the low sum of 2s 6d per annum, only twenty-three members have joined the institute. "This small number may be attributed to the fact that we did not have funds to advertise our meetings and to acquire a fixed home of our .own," states the report. "Probably, also, there was a certain vagueness and lack of definition in our aims and objects, so. that the institute in its initial stages did not attract the support of many who are really in sympathy with our constitution. However, the year has been usefully employed by members of the' executive council in educating themselves on many matters .connected with the cinema so that we now possess a much clearer idea of the lines along which we can usefully work. "Naturally, there were many discussions on the censorship of films and of posters, and we all have become enlightened on the problems attaching to censorship, and the classification of 'A' and 'IF films. "Very considerable interest was taken in the work of the Parliamentary Committee set up to deal with films and censorship, and the passage, of the Cinematograph Films Amendment Bill through the House was followed with interest and considerable satisfaction, especial^' the clauses dealing with the right of the exhibitor to reject 25 per cent, of the total number of quota films delivered or proposed to be delivered in terms of his contract." , One of the activities of the executive coifncil had been to endeavour to have j established film institutes in the other three centres-: It was pleasing to note' that such a body had been formed in Dunedin with a constitution similar to the local one. Information had been received from the secretary of the Auckland Film Censorship Committee that an institute would be formed in Auckland when a suitable orgaiiiser could be obtained to do the necessary spade work. Interest'had been evinced in Christchurch, but those so far approached in Christchurch consider that the Educational Council formed there was adequate to watch the interests included in the programme of a film institute. However, it was believed that before long Christchurch would do as other centres were doing. ' As soon as all four centres have formed their branch institutes it was hoped to proceed with the formation of a New Zealand Film Institute which might be able to link up with the British Film Institute and perhaps with the International Institute of Educational Cinematography at Rome. The executive council considers that the institute's best work for the coming year can be done along the following lines:—(a) Inquiry as to good releases and announcement to the public .ahead'of good releases, so-that these will be patronised rather than poor or unsuitable pictures; (b) investigation into the field of educational cinematography; (c) by arranging for lectures or addresses from experts and others interested in cinematography. ,