The Educational screen (c1922-c1956])

Page 508 Church Depnrtment Educational Screen The (Irawing.s are artistic and reverent, and they achieve considerable emotional appeal. The suggestions are realistic and heli^ful, because they are made by one familiar with the local church. The price is low enough to jiermit ]iurchase by low-budget churches. PFC's First Film"Beyond Our Own" Tlli high point of the Green Lake Workshop was Friday night. On this evening, three hundred leaders of the churches gathered in Morehouse Hall for the dedication and preview of the first film. Beyond Our 0-cvn, to be produced by the Protestant Film Commission (45 Astor Place, N. Y. ). Those present represented 25 denominations and had come from 39 states, three provinces of Canada, and Puerto liico. Everyone rejoiced that those in charge had decided to dedicate this film to the service of mankind and to the glory of God, and after this brief and iiupressive program, the film was shown. The film moved swiftly, getting into the story with the smoothness of the best theatricals. It was obvious at once that this audience was not just paying the respectful attention of cultured persons, but that its interest was compelled and held by a film of superb technical and content qualities. After the benediction, the audience showed its approval in a magnificent way and i»roke up into scores of informal "seminars" to discuss the film from every possible angle. As one went from group to group and listened, the dominant note was always the same, "It is a great film!" Beyond Our Own was financed by thirteen major <lcnominations which decided to pool their resources and produce one outstanding film through their official agency, The Protestant Film Association, instead of spending their money individually on several less impressive denominational productions. Made especially for use in churches, Beyond Our 07vn is keyed to the churches' mission study theme for 1947-'48, "World-Wide Evangelism." It will be available to the churches through denominational boards, local film libraries, and the Religious Film Association, itnmediately after its World Premiere on November 10th in 100 of the principal cities of the United States, Canada, Australia, and England. It runs for 40 minutes and will rent for ten dollars. • There is every reason to believe that church congregations will find Beyond Our Own a good film. Its technical quality equals most, and exceeds many. of the films that they see in the theater. Its story will hold their interest to the end. and the film will compel some needed thinking on the place and function of religion in life which all but the most hard-shelled IJagans will be rather glad about as they ree.xamine their own lives. The quality of this film should encourage the membership of the Protestant Film Commission to jiress forward wMth greater unity and boldness. The major film production of the cooperating denominations should be channeled through the Commission, and other great communions should see the wisdom of acting cooperatively in the field of production. Beyond Our Ow)i should be seen by every congregation, and every congregation which sees it will give thanks for a film which serves the high purposes of the church. ■ Due to the absence of Dr. Paul H. X'ieth from the Yale Divinit\' .School, the sale and rental of 2 x 2 slides will be continued through Miss Elizabeth S. Nettleton and \Villiam B. Whiston. under the business name of Educational Slide Service. Clapboard Hill, Guilford, Conn. Write for a complete catalogue and price list. Kill j>>^^^ Film Association "Beyond Our Own" is keyed to the churches' mission-study theme for 1947-48. TOP: Bob tells Ann that he is going to China. CENTER: Bob introduces Peter to Wong. BOTTOM: Wong is found in the wreckage.