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good films. By their attitude they can bring about a wider recognition for worthwhile films.
By this it is not meant that Catholics should concern themselves solely with films of a professionally religious character; the lives of saints, ceremonial, sermons in films and the like. All these have their proper place, but it must be remembered that films are limited spiritually. They can do no more than give the first psychological shock, as it were, after which it is the task of the priest to follow up the lead given by grace through this particular medium.
Commercial films dealing with real life are capable of actually contributing something of value. Vivere in Pace (To Live in Peace) for example, which received the award of the Catholic International Cinema Office at the recent Brussels Film Festival, while by no means a pietistic film, is certainly calculated to contribute in a very real manner to the spiritual benefit of mankind.
So, too, will Monsieur Vincent, the film made in France under the auspices of the Office Familial de Documentation Artistique. This is a magnificent contribution to the art of film, a film dealing with an urgent social problem and, withal, one that is sociologically sound both from the point of view of Church and civil authorities. Ethically and artistically it is destined to start a new trend in the financing of films for it was by means of a national subscription, organised by O.F.D.A. that the money for its production was raised.
HOW CATHOLIC ORGANISATIONS MAY HELP
This opens up a new vista of Catholic co-operation in worthwhile films. Catholic organisations might well help to sponsor films that contribute something positive to the Christian spirit. This is one of several ways which suggest themselves whereby Catholic organisations may help to bring a positive influence to bear upon the film.
In France there has been founded the Catholic Union of Cinematographers (Union Catholique du Cinema) which aims at bringing together for mutual discussion members of the profession, with the object of strengthening their moral and artistic influence in the films with which they are associated.
The Newman Association and kindred societies might well find it possible to contact Catholics in the industry' in this country with a similar object in view.
Another way in which direct influence might be brought to bear is by encouraging young people to look to the cinema for a way of life, a career; not as film stars — anyone could be a star — but in the more important roles of script writer, director, cameraman, editor, etc. This might well be a vocation for some young people whereby they will become instruments for the raising of the standard of the films.
With regard to methods of Catholic Film Action : the
Encyclical envisages the following means of approach, first on the