Focus: A Film Review (1952-1953)

283 The Bishops and the Catholic Film Institute At their October Meeting, the Archbishops and Bishops of England and Wales gave their collective and official backing to the work of the Catholic Film Institute. Hitherto, while rejoicing in the special patronage as Primate, of His Eminence Cardinal Griffin, following the example of his beloved predecessor, Cardinal Hinsley, the Catholic Film Institute lacked that more specific support which is represented by the collective approval of the Hierarchy met in common conclave. Each and every one of the Bishops have, in the past, given their individual blessings to the work of the Catholic Film Institute and we have appreciated and valued highly this mark of paternal interest. It goes without saying, however, that we are all the more delighted at this latest testimony of their practical interest in our efforts to implement the directives of the Papal Encyclical on “The Use and Misuse of Films”. The practical outcome of this approval is that we are empowered to make public appeal for the financial assistance necessary if the Catholic Film Centre is to be maintained. In view of the heavy demands made upon the Catholic public these days, particularly in view of the burden imposed by the need of providing Catholic schools, we are conscious that another appeal may not meet with much enthusiasm. On the other hand, we are sure that there are enough people able to give the little extra help which would make all the difference to us, and who will be reassured by the Bishops’ approval and who will, as a result, feel that the help they give is blessed by the highest authority. May we hope that this blessing will relieve us of our most pressing worry? The Catholic Film Users Guild We promised a report of the meeting of Catholic film groups recently held at Liverpool. The outcome was most promising. Aware for a long time of the need of some kind of practical ad hoc organisation for the day to day handling of the problems of those whose main interest in Catholic film action is the showing of suitable films in the parish, school and college centre, it was decided to set up such a group, armed with the backing of the official Catholic Film Centres in England, Ireland and Scotland. It is necessary perhaps to underline this latter fact. The Hierarchy, in England at least, do not favour a multiplicity of Catholic groups concerned with the business of film. They have named the Catholic Film Institute as the official Catholic film organisation for this country. But it also follows that there are a number of practical activities which cannot be usefully directed by the C.F.I. whose main purpose is the more academical approach to such matters. Hence it is that the C.F.I. is happy to give its backing to any effort on the part of Catholics which has as its basic purpose the promotion of good motion pictures. The Catholic Film Users Guild, then, is launched under the auspices of the Catholic Film Institute. It invites all Catholics interested in the practical side of film showing or amateur film making to get in touch with the Honorary Secretary, Mr. F. J. T. Harvey, i Cresstor Road, Woolton, Liverpool. It is proposed to hold a General Meeting of all such interested persons early in the New Year, probably in the Birmingham area. We shall give more details about the C.F.U.G. as time goes on.