See and hear : the journal on audio-visual learning (1945)

But film showings in themselves are not enough. Little action re- sults from merely seeing a film. To have significance, films should be used as tools in discussion. When carefulh chosen and effectivelv used b\ an experienced leader, the film becomes a springboard which can lead through discussion to creati\e action. The film forum or discussion film program can be- ideally adapted in programs of manv communitv in- stitutions. Its efieciiveness has been demonstrated by churches, libraries, service dubs, women's groups, labor unions. V.M.C..\."s and kindred agencies. The folloy%-ing titles of forum series ma\ give some idea as to the possibilities of this method: "Making Your Opinions Count" (B«:>ston V..M.C..\.), "Talking Back to the Motion Picture" (Wilming- ton. Deleware V. M. C. A.), "Issues of the Peace" (Detroit Public Li- brary), and "Lets Talk It Over" (Akron Public Library). The film forum can be used with already established groups, or it may be utilized as a sjiecial feature program which recmits its partici- pants from the community at large. In either type of setting the film forum has the foUounng program advantages: 1. Film Forums are relatively in- ex|jensive. 2. Films covering a varietv of tcjpics are available. J. Film Fctriniis ap|X-al to large and small groups alike. 1. Film Forums have a marked public relations value. The problems of securing films and projectors should not discour- age the planning of these programs. Films may be obtained from etluat- (ional or commercial film libraries, and in some communities, such as -\kron. Cleveland, or Detroit, from ilie public librarx. .\ 16mm sound j>rojector is, of course, an essential part of any film program. If a group or agency does not own such a pro- jector, it can generally borrow one from the public school, an indus- trial organization, countv agricul- tural agent, or from a neighboring conimunit\ ageno'. How to Plan a Film Forum Series Basic Planning Choose the Topics: A film forum to be suc- cessful must gear into the interests and needs of the group invohetL Can\as group members as to their choices of dis- cussion topics. In laying out broad subject areas the group should first examine its expressed objectives, and second, within this frame work, determine problems of \-ital im- fwrtance to the given group and to the larger community. Appoint a film forum commit- tee: As soon as subject interests have been deter- mined, a com- mittee should be appointed to ex- pedite the film forum process. Make sure that the members are repre- sentative and. if possible, try to get key community leaders to partici- pate. Key names have definite publicity value. Such a committee would then determine the objeaives of the film forum and would be responsible for all aspects of plan- ning and administration. Advance Preparation for Individual Forums. Choose the type of meeting: An\ of the three rvpes of meetings sug- gested below can be used to good advantage after the showing of a suitable film or films. Base voiu choice of procedure on the subject, how much the group knows about it, av-ailable leadership, size and nature of youtr group, and familiar- ity \\-i\h. discussion practices. 1. The informal group discussion or round table can best be used: a. with a small group. b. with a group ha^-ing little dis- cussion experience. c. when the topic is one on which die group has common knowledge. 2. The fxtnel discussion can be used: a. with a large group. b. when one person, because of his experience or preparation, is available to present the topic. This special presentation which is usual- ly made after the film showing can Ije followed bv questions and com- ments from members of the audience. Dei-elop a schedule: The comiruttee should next develop a schedule for the series within broad topical areas. The committee's job becomes one of refining the topics and de- termining the order of presentation. Topics frequendy discussed bv fo- rum groups include the foIlo\*-ing: community planning, recreation fa- cilities, juvenile delinquency, home and family relationships, consumer buying, labor-management relation- ships, inter-racial and inter-cultural understanding, and international securitv. Select and schedule appropriate films: The Educational Film Guide and special film lists will need to be consulted. If possible, films should be secured for preview*- with a \iew to selection, or. if this step is not feasible, your committee might determine its selection on the recommendauon of film sjjecialisis who are familiar with both film con- tent and film forum techniques. De- termine which films will best serve yoiu- purposes. Select films which are relevant to the topics under dis- cussion, make siu^ that they present clear-cut issues, and be certain thev are both interesting and dramatic. Many available documentary films can be adapted to film forum use. Films which present a "slanted " point of view might well be considered, because when used ( C O X T 1 .V f E D ON P .\ G E 14) -N O \ E _M B E R 1 9 4 13