Filmindia (1941)

V s This section is the monopoly of "JUDAS" and he writes what he likes and about things which he likes. The views expressed here are not necessarily ours, hut still they carry weight because they are written by a man who knows his job. FAREWELL TO MR. KANGA Mr. E. P. Kanga, the hero of the Iraq film front, was given a farewell dinner the other day when leading Indian film producers and distributors wished him all success in his new assignment in the East and South Africas on behalf of the India Overseas Ltd. It seems, from what Mr. P. C. Kapadia, who presided at the function, said that the Indian film exhibition business has not been so far well organized in the different Africas and from a vast field the Indian producers were getting poor returns because of monopolization and other trade tricks. In sending out Mr. Kanga to the Africas, Mr. Kapadia hoped to centralise all the distribution activities thereby breaking through monopolization and unhealthy competition, at present prevalent. Well, Mr. Kanga is again on a crusade, a job that suits the old fighter so well. Replying suitably to the fareweU toast of friends and critics, Mr. Kanga did not forget his newspaper friends who had helped him in the Iraq film agitation and while thanking them he hoped that our journalists would give him their hand once again if circumstances demanded their help. Which all means that Mr, Kanga's mission is not as easy as it looks. However, we wish him all luck and promise him all help if the African authorities decide to be as funny as the Iraqi Arabs where Indian films are concerned. FILM ADVISORY BOARD Our Simla correspondent informs us that the Government of India have decided to relieve Mr. Alexander Shaw from the 20th of October 1941 and that Mr. Shaw will be returning to England to take up other work. It is further reported that the Goverimient are anxious to appoint an Indian, in place of Mr. Shaw, as the producer for the Film Advisory Board. Mr. P. J. Griffiths, Controller of Film Publicity, the gentleman on whom has fallen the responsibility of this appointment is reported to be already on the look-out for a suitable successor for Mr. Shaw and it seems that the members of the Film Advisory Board are also asked to make a recommendation. We would have very much liked the Government filling this post by competitive selection rather than by nomination. But if nomination has to be resorted to owing to war emergency, we should suggest some suitable names like Mr. Niranjan Pal, Capt. Naval Ghandhy, Mr. K. S. Hirlekar, Mr. Ezra Mir and Dr. P. V. Pathy. Unless Mr. Griffiths considers all these gentlemen on their merits, it will be difficult for us to reconcile ourselves with any strange appointment. In any case, a non-Indian should be out of the question. There seems to be still another appointment in the offing. It is thought necessary to appoint a new resident Deputy Controller of Film Publicity in Bombay to control and co-ordinate the activities of the Film Advisory Board. This is a good idea, provided the man selected for the post is the right man and not an old rusty "screw" of the Steel Frame. As this is a key post of control, we should suggest that Government should take an Indian with outstanding qualities, one who knows what is correct propaganda in the present times. But for heaven's sake, don't let us have one more white-skinned standard bearer from the Anglo-Indian press. Several soldiers are being given an emergency training as projectionists in the Abdulla Fazalbhoy Institute. Here are some with the R.C.A. Equipment getting a hang of things. 1