Cinema Quarterly (1934 - 1935)

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flying League of Nations colours, would yet remain his own propaganda organization, both internally and internationally, by simple reason of his financial control. To give the Institute the requisite International flavour a Governing Body was formed. Governors were chosen from a variety of countries and the token to Internationalism was paid. The altogether estimable gentlemen who form this governing body convene once a year at Rome in the glorious autumn weather for which that city is justly famed. They pass resolutions and they make recommendations, they take drives into the Castelli Romani, are enthusiastic over the sunsets of the late year, are entertained at garden parties. It is all very charming and the Governors return to their various homelands with feelings of quiet satisfaction. But what of the Institute's work throughout the year? What sort of structure is there behind the facade of its long name? Is it a solid useful building really serving the cause of an international cinema? The chief work of the Institute is the publication of a monthly review in five languages. Numerous periodicals are read and notes are made. There is a library. There is much cataloguing. There is a great deal of idling. The staff of this " International Institute" is composed largely of Italians. Many of them hold unabashed sinecures by reason of party influence. Few have the least idea what a film is and they feel no compulsion to instruct themselves. Then there are the "editors" of the Review: An Italian Editor, a French Editor, a Spanish Editor, a German Editor, an English Editor. These gentlemen are editors only in name ; actually, they spend the greater part of their time translating and have practically no say in the make-up of the Review. They have no control whatsoever of the policy. They are part of the international facade. The policy of the Institute and the Review is under the sole control of Signor Luciano de Feo, the Director, who is doubtless inspired on issues of importance by communications from above. The Institute is not located in Mussolini's back yard for nothing. De Feo is not a newcomer on the Fascist scene. He was at one time Director of the Italian State Film Organization — LUCE, which supplies carefully vetted news-reels to all Italian cinemas. It is known that he enjoys the Duce's favour and is well established in the party. Apart from the Review, de Feo has a couple of hobby horses — "the international exchange of educational films" and the compilation of an international encyclopaedia of cinema terms. He has likewise signified the Institute's interest in the formation of an international catalogue of worthy educational films — worthiness to be decided by the I.I.E.C. The gentlemen of the Governing Body 13