Focus: A Film Review (1952-1953)

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150 FILMS which have helped VOCATIONS The many religious congregations and institutes represented at the Vocations Exhibition have each their own method of publicising their way of life. Indeed, the whole Vocations Exhibition is an attempt to use whatever methods there .be to tell the general public about their work and needs. Some few religious orders have used the method of film and these films will be shown to the public during the Exhibition. We propose here to mention a few films which have been brought to our notice or about which we have made efforts in the past: It will serve as a reminder of the part that has actually been played by films in helping the work of preaching the Gospel as well as stimulating the production of others. “Visitation” This film is now historic, both on account of the special circumstances surrounding its production and the astonishing success it has had in fostering vocations, not only to the Medical Missionaries of Mary whose film it is, but to other nursing and missionary congregations also. It was produced by the late Andrew Buchanan and was a courageous attempt on his part to demonstrate his theory that films for specifically religious purposes can and should be made quite independently of commercial considerations. Mother Mary Martin, the Foundress and Superior General of the Medical Missionaries was a pioneer in this field: a full-length feature film made professionally, telling vividly of the work of her Congregation. It had a successful career in this country; it was shown by the C.F.I. for a long season in Wardour Street, and is still available from the Medical Missionaries themselves or through the C.F.I. in both 35mm. and 16mm. All proceeds help the missions. “Out Of The Darkness” Closely following upon Visitation comes Out Of The Darkness, made for the Sisters of the Holy Rosary of Killeshandra . It, too, is a feature length documentary, made by the Irish film director, C. Desmond Toomey and tells much the same story of heroic endeavour, though this time with the accent rather more on education and with a definite story running through the film. “Noble Mission” This is a two reel film in black and white made by the French Provinces of the De La Salle Brothers (Brothers of the Christian Schools) and is a vivid outline of the novitiate and varied work of these pioneers in the field of education of youth. All details may be had from Rev. Brother Dennis Robert, F.S.C., St. Joseph’s College, Beulah Hill, London, S.E.19 “Behold The Man” Made by the Companions of the Cross, the film version of the Westminster Passion Play is already famous and has gone round the world. Though not strictly dealing with the question of religious vocations, it obviously has a very special appeal to the general public with its invitation to meditate upon the Great Sacrifice of Calvary, from winch all religious vocations receive their sanction. All information as to showings of this film can be had from Philomena Productions Ltd., 18 Manchester Street. London W.i.