FILM SOCIETY CONFERENCE

Delegates from film societies in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill met at Wellington on February lst. The main outcome of the Conference was the formation of a "New Zealand Film Institute", intended to act as the parent body of the individual societies.

The necessity for such a body was recognised by all the delegates, for it will have a legal standing and an authority which will assist in any discussions with the Government, or with the Film trade. In addition it will make possible many activities beyond the powers of an individual society. For example, it was decided that the N.Z. Institute should undertake a survey and finally publish a report on the Children's Cinema Clubs in New Zealand. It was suggested that this might be done by setting up a competent group in each society, which will make a detailed study of the Clubs over a period of about a year, the information gathered to be published in a report. The Conference considered the possibility of organising Film Festivals in the various centres. Annual awards for films of outstanding merit will be published by the Institute. The problem of film supply in New Zealand, the purchase of films from overseas and their distribution to societies can also be more efficiently handled by a central body.

The control of the N. Z. Film Institute will be in the hands of two bodies. A National Council, comprising one delegate from each local society, will meet annually, or more frequently if required, to decide matters of general policy. Dr. Ellis, of the Dunedin Film Institute, was elected President of this Council. The other body responsible for the executive duties of the N. Z. Film Institute is a Working Committee, of which Mr. Gordon Mirams was elected Chairman, the remaining five members to be elected by the Wellington Film Institute to represent the local societies. A recent meeting of the Wellington Film Institute executive appointed the following to the Working Committee:
Mr. H. Power    - representing Auckland Film Institute
Mr. C.W. Holmes -    Wellington
Mr. W.J. Scott    -    Christchurch
Miss Joan Stevens -    Dunedin
Mr. C.N. Robinson -    Invercargill