World Film News and Television Progress (Apr 1936-Mar 1937)

DISRUPTION IN THE NORTH There is news of disraption from the North. The Scottish film societies have decided to leave the fold of the British Federation. "As a temporary measure," during this season as least, they will operate independently through the Scottish Federation — in being since 1934 and now to function actively. An independent booking organisation in London is being established, with Mr. F. S. Fairfax-Jones, of Denning Films, as booking officer, and Mr. Stephen Mitchell, late of the Aberdeen Film Society, as liaison officer. Behind this move lies disappointment that the Leicester conference did not produce a national plan for film booking; dissatisfaction with the Existing organisation of the Federation of British Film Societies, and dismay at the immediate outlook. But also behind this move lies the hope that it will lead eventually to the emergence of a strong, soundly organised national body — a single authoritative voice to speak for the film society movement in Britain. The breakaway is not intended to be obstructionist and it is hoped that it need not be final. The movement originated at Leicester, in general irritation at the frittering away of the opportunity presented there for establishing the British Federation soundly. During the subsequent months of confusion, uncertainty and disagreement, it grew steadily until, at a meeting By FORS\TH HARDY of the Scottish Federation, held in Edinburgh on August 22nd, it was unanimously decided to stand out from the British Federation for a period of a year at any rate and to institute an independent booking agency in London. Whether to carry on independently in the meantime or to attempt to get some order into the aflfairs of the British Federation : these were the issues at the Edinburgh meeting. The former was chosen, partly because the latter seemed impossible in the time available before the opening of the new season and partly because it was felt that by taking a definite stand, even though it was temporarily outside of the main movement, the final establishment of a strong, efficient, national organisation would be hastened. 'urgh Hj Film Hj Irews ^B It is announced by the Council of the London Film Socletj that Miss Mary Brown has now resigned oning to illness. A new secretary has been appointed; name to be announced later. The Council regrets that Miss Brown's prolonged illness has made it difficult to keep up with the demands of the provincial societies for information regarding films. These delays have been unavoidable under the circumstances, and will be remedied as soon as possible. The Scottish societies affected by the decisii are the Film Society of Glasgow, the Edinburgh Film Guild, the Aberdeen Film Society, the Film Society of Ayrshire, the Dundee and St. Andrews Film Society and the Inverness Film Society. The Tyneside Film Society, apparently looking to an ancient division between England and ^B Scotland, hopes to work along with the Scottish ^| Federation, a Tyneside representative having informed the Edinburgh meeting that ; "Generally if we can strengthen your hand and share in the benefits of collaboration, we shall willingly do so." This step ought to benefit the film society movement as a whole. Block booking will be made easier, contacts between renters and film societies ought to be made more smoothly; and new film societies in Scotland will start out with the confidence and assurance that a sound booking arrangement can give. Looking further ahead, one may visualise a strong federation co-operating with the London Film Society in the task of importing foreign films. It remains to be seen, of course, how the new plan will work out. Scottish film societies are certainly going forward wholeheartedly with it. Should it prose successful, it may well become the basis for a national plan for the future. At least that is how it appears to one writing in the first flush of optimism after the Edinburgh meeting. NEWS FROM THE SOCIETIES CAITHNESS Production of amateur films is the main activity of the Caithness Fihn Society. The members have already made a film on Seine-Net Fishing and have in production a Come to Caithness picture. During the winter it is proposed to make a film about the work of the District Nurse, which in this district is of a particularly arduous nature owing to the distances travelled and the severe winter climate. The Secretary announces that keener interest is being exhibited in the production side of the Society's activities than any other and that the "lack of bawbees" has no deterrent effect. During the winter the Caithness enthusiasts will hold exhibitions of special films. BR.\DFORD The Bradford Civic Playhouse proposes to hold cinema shows of specially selected films. There is no intention of competing with the programmes of the city's cinemas and a circular issued by the Playhouse states; "Films of an unusual character rarely seen at the commercial cinemas will be screened at frequent intervals. Programmes will include foreign films, newsreels, documentary and educational pictures." A Film Society is to be formed amongst members of the Playhouse and it is possible that an amateur production unit wUl be established. PORTSMOUTH A Film Society has been started at Portsmouth under the chairmanship of Councillor F. J. Spickemell. Publicity will be handled by C. Pa ice. MANCHESTER and S.^LFORD For the first time the Manchester Watch Committee has given permission for regular Sunday film shows and this permission has been given on the application of the Manchester and Salford Workers' Film Society. A condition was made that the films were to be shown to members of the Society only. Admission will be given only on producing a membership ticket. OXFORD Oxford is to have a new Film Society which will begin operations in October. Performances will be held in the Scala on alternate Sundays. The subscription for the season will be 17j. 6d. and enquiries should be addressed to the Organiser, 105 Victoria Road. Oxford. OUR EXTENSIVE EDITING BAYS OFFER EVERY FACILITY FOR SOUND FILM CUTTING Telephones: GERRARD 7841, i4l3 UKmnnu fiLM dcspatch JJORMAMS I IM EDITING BAYS 86-88 WARDOUR STREET, LONDON, W.I 4D