THE CINEMATOGRAPH

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1930, Page 7

THE CINEMATOGRAPH

FORCE FOR EDUCATION. QUESTIONS OF CENSORSHIP AND SUPPLY. RUGBY, August 18. The report of the Colonial Films Committee had been'issued. The- committee, under the chairmanship of Sir William Brass ALP., was appointed in .March 1929, by Air L. C. Al. S. Amery, then Secretary for the Colonies, “to examine the arrangements existing for the supply and censorship of cinematograph films for publish exhibition in the colonies, protectorates, and mandated territories, and to consider in what way these arrangements could be improved.” There have also been issued the findings of the Colonial Office Conference on the committee’s report, and a despatch sent by the Colonial Secretary to the administrations of colonies, protectorates, and mandated territories indicating the action which it is proposed to take. The committee’s report suggests various practical measures by. which plant can be installed, and experiments begun, with a view to developing the use of the cinematograph, as ail instrument of education.

Tlie Colonial Office Conference emphasises the importance of tlie use of the -film in education, especially with primitive peoples, and not only for children but also for adults.

POSSIBLE AIARKETS. As regards the supply of British films, the committee point out that at present the market in the Colonial Emnire is largely dominat'd by foreign films. Apart from the existing cinemas M they call attention to the possibility (that, in certain directions, the market may expand raoidlv. For example there are only thirty-eight cinemas in British territory in tropical Africa, though there is a population, of approximately 36,000,000. They call attention to l the importance of taking steps now, in order that British industry may get a footing in that market.

Tlie creation of a small central crganistion in London is accordingly suggested, under the auspices of the Federation of British Industries, to act as a centre for the supply of British films. A small Government guarantee is suggested during the inf*"year of operation of the supervisory board. THE CENSORSHIP. On the question of censorship, the committee point out the danger of demoralising films. They suggest certain measures for stiffening local censorship arrangements, and also suggest that the proposal for a central censorship hoard in London of all films going to tropical Africa should be carefully examined in the- Colonial Office. They point out, however, that, apart from the negative aspect of censorship, the positive aspect of fostering a- supply of good films must also be considered.