The International Office for Missionary Propaganda through Films was founded in 1932, with its headquarters in Paris. It has branches in all the countries of western Europe, the English section being tinder the presidency of Mr. Vernor Miles.
The chief aim of the association is to interest those who never go to church in the heroic self-sacrifice of Catholic missionaries, and thus to open their eyes to the faith. The task is not easy, for the film industry is almost entirely in nonChristian hands and competition demands perfect technique and films sufficiently interesting to avoid being boycotted on religious grounds.
Three important films were produced in 1933—Unvarnished Africa, Croisiere Bleue, and The Sahara. These were followed in 1934 by Mysterious Africa, Pagan's Progress, and The Secret Front, which, in its English version, is promising to be a great success. Five others are projected for 1935—two of them with English translations—The Journey with the Angel, Life Among the Pygmies and the Battle of the Frontiers, a description of the intelligence service in 1916-17.
The great problem of Catholic cinematography is the indifference of the faithful. Not one firm of Catholics has asked for a contract or even a private view, even though the Osservatore Romano has congratulated the office on its work and urged its encouragement.
This spirit of indifference is deplorable, especially in view of the efficiency of atheist propagandist effort in the same field.If all Catholics were as devoted to their cause as many atheists to theirs, Our wireless and press would be the best in the world.