Why in news?
The government recently informed the Lok Sabha that 1,469 film titles – representing around 4.3 lakh minutes of footage – have been digitised under the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM). This update highlights progress in safeguarding India’s vast film heritage, much of which is at risk due to ageing and degradation.
Background
The NFHM is a Rs 597 crore flagship project launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It aims to restore, digitise and preserve India’s cinematic heritage for future generations. The National Film Archive of India (NFAI) in Pune acts as the implementing agency. Before NFHM, many early Indian films were stored in inadequate conditions, leading to physical deterioration and loss. The mission recognises cinema as both a cultural artefact and a historical record of social change, and therefore seeks to save it from oblivion.
Objectives
- Condition assessment: Experts inspect old film reels to determine their remaining lifespan and decide on restoration priorities.
- Restoration: Landmark films undergo frame‑by‑frame 2K/4K digital restoration of both picture and sound. New inter‑negatives are created to ensure long‑term preservation.
- Digitisation: Films are scanned and converted into high‑resolution digital formats, making them accessible for research, exhibitions and public viewing.
- Archival infrastructure: Special vaults and controlled storage facilities are built to protect celluloid and digital assets from temperature, humidity and fungal damage.
- Capacity building: Training programmes and workshops are organised to develop a cadre of restoration and archiving professionals within the country.
- IT systems: Web‑based platforms catalogue and manage the digitised content, enabling researchers and film enthusiasts to access restored materials.
National Film Archive of India
Established in February 1964, the NFAI is a media unit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Its mandate is to acquire, preserve and restore Indian cinema in all its forms – celluloid prints, still photographs, posters, scripts and song booklets. Beyond preservation, the NFAI promotes film culture by organising screenings, film appreciation courses and research activities. Headquartered in Pune, it operates regional centres in Bangalore, Kolkata and Thiruvananthapuram, and has been a member of the International Federation of Film Archives since 1969.
Significance
- Cultural memory: India’s films document shifting social norms, artistic movements and political events. Preserving them ensures future generations can study and appreciate this cultural evolution.
- Educational resource: Digitised films can be used in schools and universities to teach history, media studies and regional languages.
- Industry support: Restored footage provides reference material for filmmakers, historians and restoration experts, and can generate revenue through screenings and streaming.
- International collaboration: Participation in global archival networks enables the sharing of expertise and access to best practices in preservation.
Conclusion
The National Film Heritage Mission represents a major commitment to safeguarding India’s cinematic legacy. Continued investment and public awareness are essential to ensure that precious films, which reflect our collective heritage, remain available in the digital era.
Sources: Press Information Bureau
