Workers' Film Association

By the mid 1930s there was a general interest throughout the labour movement in film propaganda. A Joint Film Committee from the Labour Party, the TUC and the Co-operative Movement first met in January 1938. The Committee recommended the establishment of a joint film organization, to be known as the Workers' Film Association (WFA). Joseph Reeves was appointed Secretary-Organizer, and the organization seems to have started its operations in October 1938. At an early stage contacts were made with Labour organizations, and the WFA decided to assist the Labour Party with election propaganda. A free film service was to be provided to marginal constituencies, together with short films of the party leaders. The Association developed an extensive library and distribution service, films were produced, distributed and exhibited, and film equipment was sold. During World War Two, the activities of the Association continued, but were were seriously curtailed. In 1946 the Association merged with the Co-Operative Movement's National Film Service, to form the National Film Association.