Sir, - The Irish Film Centre needs constructive criticism. Paul Cullen's polemic (Sound & Vision, August 29th) did not provide it. Despite condemning the IFC's first five years he refers to only one week of its programming and discovers a lack of foreign films despite the showing of Mira Nair's Kama Sutra and Blier's Mon Homme within a few weeks of his chosen period. He regrets a lack of repertory in Irish cinemas. So do I; but it was at the IFC that I first saw La Regle du Jeu, Tokyo Story and La Belle et la Bete. This month has also seen revivals of The Battle of Algiers, and the films of David Lynch and Atom Egoyan. This has not, on balance, been a good summer by the IFC's standards, but it has shown Spike Lee's Get on the bus, Big Night, Ken Loach's Carla's Song and the documentary When we were Kings; three were American, yes, but hardly "the dominant Hollywood-produced diet".
The IFC needs to look hard at some of the issues raised by Mr Cullen; the toilets are indeed filthy and there is a need for some kind of sweets counter. Screening times should be reviewed as too many short-run films are shown in the awkward 6.30 p.m. slot. There should be more consultation with members and other customers. Most of all, however, Dublin cinema needs a new Lighthouse, with State aid if necessary. The Screen has improved considerably in recent years but will always be more commercial than the old Lighthouse. The IFC should be free to experiment (something it is often reluctant to do). There is no need for the false Lighthouse versus IFC argument which Mr Cullen seems to follow; both have their place and the Lighthouse's place must be filled as soon as possible. - Yours, etc.,
Templeogue Wood, Dublin 6W.