LADIES AND GENTLEMEN – FRIENDS

I regret not being with you at this, my last, opportunity to address an annual conference of the Federation at its president. For there there seems to be a great deal to celebrate in what is surely a new deal for film making in this country, for our film-makers, and for all film-goers.

I am referring, of course, to the government's decision last year to establish a New Zealand Film Commision by Act during 1978, and to set up - meanwhile - an  "interim" commision. Bill Sheat, I am sure, will ably explain the work of this new body later this morning. Its probably enough for me to say that for the first time in three years of annual conferences (probably to your great relief!) I no longer feel impeleld to "go-on: about it, infinitun, yet again.

A body to foster and aid an industry, which has strugged manfully against immense odds, is now a reality. All it remains is for film-makers to make good use of it - with the emphasis on "good'.

If I can be forgiven for looking ahead a little further, I hope that the Commission when finally established will do its upmost to loosen up the television system to film-makers working outside the channels. TV One and TV Two _ if only they could see it - need both the  programme and the standards that can be supplied by the "Independents".

And this means giving "proven" film-making companies and telents reasonable access to the medium. Audiences throughout the country, I am sure, too, want the kind of variety in programme supply (particularly in the documentary field) that is not often possible from the cloistered conditions of an Avalon complex.

One other brief for the Commission must be to establish a close relationship with the National  Film Unit - a resourse asset of considerable proportions. From my own recent experience with the Unit, I know that fresh air blown through its corridors could work wonders, not only in boosting staff morale, but in probably increasing substantially NFU output over a whole range of film-making.

But, to other things ...

And, here, I would like to commend the progress made by the Federation, and by films societies, individually, during my years of association with you.

Organisations in the arts, just like businesses - even if the motive is not quite the same - must continue to move forward, even if development is sometimes both difficule and contentious. In thhs sense, the moves made by the Federation over the last two years to place the film society movement on a sounder professional basis - in terms of income and full-time secretarial guidance have been absolutly necessary.

Only in this way has the Federation been ablle to meet its repnsibilities to members societies, and to the wider community - work that has helped assure proper recognition for film in New Zealand, as well as the establishment of the Film Commision, itself. Let us hope that in the not too distant future, perhaps, a further initiative will be possible in terms of a film theatre or theatres, as the home or homes of our larger film societies.

It seems to me there is still very much a need for cinemas where adventurous film programming can take place on a continuing basis, offering alternative fare to that provided by the strictly commercial circuits. What id more, a circuit of film arrt theatres could end up being more of a paying proposition that one might initially believe.

I have enjoyed my three years as your president, even though of late other commitments have eaten into the time I have been able to give to the Federation's work. Thank you for this term of office.

In particular, I would like to express my appreciation to the Working Committee, which continues to labout, apparently tirelessly. And - individually - my deep thanks go to your chairman David Gascoigne, programme organiser, Lindsay Shelton, and Rosemary Hope.

Thank you again.