Cinema Quarterly (1934 - 1935)

FILM SOCIETIES Of its own volition, without any organized plans for expansion, the film societies movement is growing rapidly throughout the country. The formation of several new societies in important centres is recorded in our notes, and preliminary negotiations are in progress prior to the setting up of similar bodies in other districts. An important development is the tendency of societies to co-operate even more closely than formerly with the trade. Northwich Film Society, following the practice of Billingham, is now holding its performances in a local cinema in the course of the ordinary weekly programme instead of in its own hall. In a small town where competition in the supply of entertainment is likely to cause bitterness this is a wise course to follow, so long as the society reserves the right to exhibit privately films which, because of the nature of their appeal, are not suitable for general audiences. In any case it is a move to induce and support the public exhibition of worthwhile pictures and is therefore to be welcomed. In ditricts where it is impossible to obtain permission to hold private performances this method of exhibition is certainly preferable to simply doing nothing. In still smaller centres, or in towns where a serious interest in the cinema is not sufficiently developed to justify the formation of an exhibiting society, it has been suggested that " film circles " should be formed. Wherever there are a few cinema enthusiasts they should get together if only for the benefits to be derived from friendly discussion and organized study. But if they are true enthusiasts they will have something of the preacher's zeal and will soon convert others to their way of thinking. Thus the modest little circles will grow and in time will become the nucleus of more important organizations. How can such circles be formed and how would they function ? A letter to the local press, or an advertisement, which should make it clear that the proposed circle is not a star " fan " club, will quickly bring together those who are interested in the idea. Then by means of combined study, discussion, lectures, etc., a fuller understanding of cinema will develop. The local cinema may be prevailed upon to book certain films in which members are specially interested, in return for which the circle can arrange to organize public support for the picture, and for its members and friends the circle can give occasional performances on sub-standard apparatus. The smaller towns, and even the villages, need not look with envy at the large cities with their apparently greater opportunities for securing worthwhile films. The formation of film circles may be the first step to securing similar facilities. Cinema Quarterly will be glad to assist any one desirous of forming such a circle and will willingly supply whatever information may be required regarding films, the organizing of shows, apparatus or lectures. We shall also be pleased to publish the address of anyone wishing to get in touch with other readers with a view to forming a circle. THE FILM SOCIETY, 56 Manchester Street, London, W.i. The tenth season will consist of eight performances at the Tivoli on Sunday afternoons. Students of universities and other institutions, as well as film technicians with a salary not exceeding £10 per week, are eligible for membership at a reduced subscription of 15s. The ordinary rates of subscription are 66s., 45s., and 26s. 6d. The final selection of films for the season is not yet available, but there are many interesting prospects including, Vigo's Zero de Conduite, Atalante, Dziga-Vertov's Three Songs of Lenin, Kuleshov's The Great Consoler and Basse's So lebt ein Volk. 55