Amateur theatricals have been a notable feature of town and village life for many years, but in some districts theatrical societies are giving place to amateur film societies.
The Film Society of Northern Ireland, with headquarters in Belfast, is a pioneer in this branch of entertainment. The society numbers almost fifty members, and they are deriving a good deal of enjoyment out of the making of town and country films, and even more pretentious efforts in the form of film drama.
At present the work of the society is in the experimental stage, but considerable advance has been made during the past five months in both acting and photography. The films for the present are being `shot' by one of the various kinds of small film cameras now upon the market and by means of a suitable projector.
Cinema displays can be given for the benefit of all interested in the society. The performers are able to detect any defects in acting, and when these are discussed improvements are introduced when the next `shot' is being photographed.
I had an opportunity of witnessing one of these performances a few days ago, and was surprised both by the excellence of the photography of the film and the realistic film acting.
The Irish Times, June 13th, 1930.