The film daily year book of motion pictures (1936)

of all efforts and financial measures obtained from the Government the results have been of no importance. It was realized that the establishment of a national film industry would require large capital which, in view of the impossibility for Kunianiau pictures to be exhibited abroad on a commercial basis, can be supplied only by the Government. In order to make possible the production of national pictures (at first educational pictures only) the Council of Ministers issued a decree on May 18, 1934 (Monitorul Oficial May 18,1934), establishing taxes of 10 lei (approximately $0,066) per meter of film passed by the censorship and 1 leu (approximately $.007 on each admission ticket. The same measures were passed by the parliament as a law on July 3, 1934. The tax of 10 lei per meter is paid at the time of filing the application for the censoring of the films. The sole purpose of both taxes is to build up a fund for the creation of a Rumanian national motion picture industry. On the basis of official estimates inade at the time these taxes were established, it was expected that a total revenue of at least 30,000,000 lei (approxmiately $200,000) per annum would be collected and it was believed that this amount would make it possible for the competent Rumanian authority to begin the creation of a national film industry. The new taxes were received with much hostility by local importers and distributors of motion picture films, but their suppression could not be obtained, although for some time a strong press campaign was conducted against them. The local press has returned to the attack several times, demanding the abolition of taxes which, according to general opinion, can not lead to any serious undertaking. The taxes and expenses which have to be paid by motion picture exhibitors are as follows : 25 percent of the gross receipts to the State, 35 to 50 percent for film rentals, 10 percent publicity and administrative expenses, 1 leu for each ticket for National Cinematography Fund and 2 lei per each admission for Aviation Fund. Besides, a tax of about 6,000 lei per month has to be paid for musical rights (considered illegally assessed and suspended for the time being until the (Courts decide). Theaters — 301 theaters in Rumania, 59 of which are located in Bucharest. Sound — 298 theaters wired for sound. Imports from U. S. A. — 1934— Positive sound 1,517,746 ft. $37^68 1935 — (First 9 months) Positive sound 1,153,647 ft. $22,598 Negative sound 7,681 ft. 225 DISTRIBUTORS AND IMPORTERS BUCHAREST Arta Film, Str. Oteteleseanu 5. Astoria Film, Str. Brezoianu 9. Columbia Film, Bd. Elisabeta. Europa Film, Lipscani 110. Filmus Film, Calea Victoriei, Pasagiul Imobiliara. Fox Film, Bd. Elisabeta 12. Gaumont-Franco-Film-Aubert, Bd. Elisabeta 34. Gondola Film, Galea Victoriei 2. International Film, Str. Brezoianu 9. Mercur Film, Str, Sfintilor 13. Metro Goldwyn Film, Str. Sf. Constantin 29. Mia Film, Cobalcescu 2. Matador Film, Str. Schitu Magureanu 7. Majestic Filr , Bd. Elisabeta 12. Mar Film, Str. Maicii Domnului. Nissim & Mero Palatu! Blank, Str. Doamnei. Nissa Film, Hotel Nissa, Bd. Elisabeta 20. Oer Film, Bd. Elisabeta 51. O.F.F.I.R. Str. Brezoianu 23. Paramount Film, Str. Baratiei 2. Pathe Natan, Str. Lucaci 6. Pan Film. Str. Campineanu 48. Pax Film, Calea Victoriei 44. Recom Film, Str. Coltei 1. Rex Film, Str. Spiru Haret 4. Romana Film, Plata Mihai Kogalniceanu 8. Silvia Film. Str. Carol 88. Star Film, Str. Enachita Vacarescu 36. Trianon Film, Bd. Elisabeta 15. Union Film, Piata Cogalniceanu 8. United Artists Film, Str. Doamnei 12 bis. Urbis Film, Str. Peenaru Bordea 16. Vesca Film, Str. Cobalcescu 41. Wandermax Film, Str. Mihai Voda. Warner Bros. First National S.A.R., Str. Doamnei 12. BRASOV Concordia Film, Ero Film, Matador Film. JASI Trianon Film, Cinema Trianon. ORADEA MARE Camara Film, Emericus Film, Metro Goldwyn Film, Phoebus Film, Warner Bros. First National, Fox Film. TIMISOARA Filmcentrala, Dr. Des Gabor, Str. Gorove 7. SOUTH AFRICA Agitation — There has been a remarkable absence of agitation during the year in regard to the showing of more British pictures. The theatergoing public of South Africa patronize good entertainment, irrespective of the country of origin. It would appear that the public taste in South Africa for motion picture entertainment is rising steadily as is evidenced by the fact that there have been quite a few instances of films which have been well received overseas doing little or no business in this part of the world. Censorship — ^Censorship still remains most stringent and a number of films which have been passed for exhibition in other parts of the world have been totally banned. Invariably the decisions of the Censor Board are upheld on appeal. There has been some agitation regarding the Church-Censorship Movement and various societies have formed themselves into Vigilant Committees to check up on the type of film shown. There is also strict censorship of news and general publicity matter on account of its possible efifect on the native Kaffirs. Competition — The number of British films shown during the year has not increased as compared with American productions, and the percentage remains fairly constant at between 15 percent and 20 percent. There is no quota restriction on American films. The dispatch of newly released feature pictures and news reels by airmail for exhibition in South Africa provides a service which now leaves little to be desired. Copyright Relations — Under the South African Act of 1916, Proclamation of the President of the United States June 26, 1924. Production — The African Film Productions Limited are producing a number of excellent sound films of a tropical and interest nature which are invariably well received throughout the territory. It is understood that plans are afoot for the production of dramatic and historical films of a much more ambitious nature. The film "GOLD" was completed during the year and turned out an excellent production of its type. It was exhibited with great success throughout this territory and is now being shown in Europe and the United States. Taxation — Entertainment taxes, censorship fees, duties, licenses, _ etc., payable by importers and exhibitors remained high and are an almost intolerable burden on the small town theater proprietor. These taxes tend to limit the market for both feature and short films. It was due only to the satisfactory general economic conditions of the country that the volume of imports was maintained. Theaters — -There are approximately 300 theaters in South Africa. New theaters were constructed in Capetown and Bloemfontein, but with each additional theater completed one or more old houses were closed. Sound — 200 theaters wired for sound. Imports from U. S. A. — 1934 — Positive sound 4,396,015 ft. $85,852 Negative sound 98 ft. 2 1935 — (First 9 months) Positive sound 3,425,263 ft. $67,741 Negative sound 11,362 ft. 959 SOVIET RUSSIA Agitation — The foreign trade of the Soviet Union is a monopoly of the Government. All contracts 1201