THE ROYAL ANTHROPOLOGICAL INSTITUTE FILM LIBRARY CATALOGUE VOL. I

INTRODUCTION 

[Please note that this introduction was written back in 1982 and that changes have occurred since in the Institute's involvement in ethnographic film]

This catalogue, published by the Royal Anthropological Institute Film Committee, provides information about the films available for hire in the RAI Film Library on the occasion of its tenth anniversary. The Film Committee set up the Library in 1971 and since then has assembled a substantial collection of more than ninety anthropological films.

The films, for the most part, seek to show some aspect of the culture or social life of peoples living in non‑industrialized societies ‑ the huge proportion of the world's population living in small, rural communities who obtain their food largely through their own efforts as farmers, cattle‑herders or hunters. In general the films are systematic and informative, showing custom in its social context and seeking to present behaviour that may at first seem curious or extra­ordinary as being sensible, intelligible and worthy of understanding and respect. All of the films, apart from two important television series donated to the Library, have been selected by the Film Committee after assessment screenings. Some have been selected in spite of manifest anthropological or other weaknesses because their merits appeared to outweigh their defects: in these cases the catalogue entry, or a film review listed in the bibliography which follows each catalogue entry, will provide guidance for hirers.

Some of the films in the list have been produced by very large organisations and have cost tens of thousands of pounds to make. Others are the work of individual film‑makers or anthropologists working with budgets of no more than a few hundred pounds. Our selection has been based largely on what we consider to be the educational value of the films rather than on their technical merits as films, although in most cases the technical quality is high. The films are, we believe, suitable for use both by specialists and non‑specialists. In making our selection, we have always considered the interests and needs of wider audiences with no background in anthropology. The films are very widely used by primary and secondary schools, polytechnics, universities, museums, local societies and other interested groups. Many of the films are as important for those interested in the history of particular styles and techniques of filming as they are for those with an interest in anthropology. Our aim is to make worthwhile anthropological films available to all who wish to see them in the United Kingdom.

The Library is constantly being expanded to cover a broader range of peoples and topics. The Film Committee is conscious of serious gaps and is far from satisfied with its existing stock. At every meeting additional films are viewed and assessed. Owners or makers of anthropological films who would like their films to be considered for inclusion in the Library should write to the Chairman, Film Committee, Royal Anthropological Institute.... The Committee is also interested in obtaining both old and new films for a long‑planned anthropological film archive.

The Film Committee runs the Film Library on a self‑financing, wholly non­profitmaking basis. By arrangement with the RAI Council, the RAI office provides the Film Committee with administrative and secretarial facilities financed by a deduction of 20% of the Committee's regular hire income. When the Committee was first established, Council provided a repayable loan of £400 as initial capital but decided that its financial provision for the Film Committee should not go beyond this: the Committee should seek, obtain and manage its own funds and should not expect additional subsidy from the general funds of the Institute which were at the time seriously depleted. 

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