SCREEN AS EDUCATOR

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1055, 20 August 1930, Page 9

SCREEN AS EDUCATOR

AIDING BRITISH FILMS IN THE COLONIES SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS British Official Wireless RUGBY, Monday. The report of the Colonial Films Committee has been issued. This committee, under the chairmanship of Sir William Brass, M.P., was appointed in March, 1929, by Mr. L. S. Amery, then Secretary of State for the Colonies. The terms of reference were:—To examine the arrangements existing for the supply and censorship of cinematograph films for public exhibition in the colonies, protectorates and mandated territories, and to consider in what way these arrangements could he improved. The findings of the recent Colonial Office Conference on the committee’s report have also been issued, as has a copy of a dispatch from the Colonial Secretary, Lord Passfield, to the various Governments concerned, indicating the action which it is proposed to take. ADULT EDUCATION The committee’s report suggests various practical measures by which plant can be installed and experiments can be begun with a view to developing the use of the cinematograph as an instrument of education. The Colonial Office Conference, in its report, emphasises the importance of the use of the film in education, especially with primitive peoples and not only for children, but also for adults. In regard to the supply of British films, the committee points out that at present the market in the Colonial Empire is largely dominated by foreign films. It calls attention to the possibility that in certain directions the market may expand rapidly. For example, there are only 38 cinemas in British territory in tropical Africa, I though the population is approxit mately 36,000,000. The committee lays stress upon the importance of taking steps now in order that the British indfistry may secure a footing in that market. STATE GUARANTEE Accordingly it suggests tbs creation of a small central organisation in London, 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 initial year of the operation of the supervisory board for this organisation. On the question of censorship the j committee points out the danger of ; demoralising films. It suggests cerj tain measures for stiffening local | censorship arrangements, and also ■ suggests that the proposal for a cen--1 tral censorship board in London of all ; films going to tropical Africa should | be carefully examined in the Colonial Office. It points out, however, that apart from the negative aspect of censorship the positive aspect of fostering I the supply of good films must also I be considered.