Odisha inks MoU to set up Film Heritage Foundation to preserve old Odia cinemas

The 10th Film Preservation and Restoration Workshop concluded in Bhubaneswar, marking a significant milestone in Odisha’s effort to protect and revive its fading film heritage. 

The valedictory programme was attended by Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, who emphasised the need for long-term institutional support for film conservation.

“There was no system in place to restore and preserve films after their release. We have signed an MoU with the Tata Foundation to establish a branch of the Film Heritage Foundation in Odisha. Under this initiative, old Odia films will be preserved and eventually showcased to the public,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.

Steps to Set up Dedicated Archive:

During the event, a formal agreement was signed between the state’s Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department and the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) to establish a dedicated archive for the preservation and restoration of Odia films. The pact aims to systematically safeguard celluloid prints, digital materials, and rare film-related memorabilia.

The week-long workshop, held at Kalabhoomi in association with the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF), featured intensive training on film preservation techniques, documentation, cataloguing, and restoration practices. Participants also attended daily screenings of restored classics from across the world.

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Officials said the newly announced archive will become the state’s first coordinated effort to safeguard Odia cinema for future generations.