Focus: A Film Review (1948-1949)

321 INSTITUTE NOTES Regional Catholic Film Societies One of the reasons which induced us to change the title of our organisation was to enable our members in the provinces to form their own sections of the Institute more easily. The special junction of the London office is to act as a national film centre in accordance with the directive of the Encyclical Vigilanti Cura and to be the office from which delegation to the International Catholic Cinema Office is most easily effected. It is clear, however, that Catholic film action should not and cannot be restricted to one centre in the country. There are enthusiasts and experts in other parts of the country who can do much to help increase the influence of the Church in working for a sane and healthy cinema. It is suggested that groups of Catholics be formed on a regional or diocesan basis for the purpose of film appreciation or study. Such groups could be entitled, e.g., the Birmingham, Manchester, Salisbury, etc., Catholic Film Society. If desired, the\ could (and we think should) be affiliated with the Catholic Film Institute. They should, where possible, have the direction of a priest, in accordance with ’ the wishes of the Vigilanti Cura, but need not regard this as a sine qua non where capable lay leadership is available. Aims and objects may be identical with or partly inspired by the aims and objects of the C.F.I. Or the regional society may decide to concentrate on one object only, e.g., the production of catechetical films, the production of religious news reels, or the development of film criticism. The regional groups will have to work out their own methods of procedure in accordance with local needs and opportunities. Such groups could have space in Focus in which to report their progress and plans. The question of affiliation fees and membership rights and obligations will have to be gone into at a later date. For the present it would be useful to have the views of our regional members on this idea. Ultimately we envisage a network of active Catholic film groups up and down the country all pulling their weight and helping positively to influence the cinema for good, with a central office for co-ordination and exchange of ideas. Such a plan is not impossible but it needs careful thought before we embark upon it. In the few years of our existence we have learnt many lessons by bitter experience. We can help you to avoid these pitfalls. Film Competition To encourage Catholic amateur cinematographers we have decided to organise a sub-standard film competition open to members of the Catholic Film Institute. Each member will be eligible to submit one film, silent or sound, on any subject he chooses. It need not; therefore, necessarily be a religious subject. Each film will be judged entirely on its merits as a film, whether silent or sound. The films will be judged by a jury of experts to be announced later. Their decision will be final. A Trophy will be awarded to the best film and diplomas to the next two in order of merit. The Catholic Film Institute reserves the right to exhibit the prize-winning and any other films submitted in any wav considered necessary. Each film should be accompanied by a registration fee of 10/6. The last day for receiving entries is December 31st, 1949. Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday, December ioth. The first part, for members only, will