Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Film Heritage Foundation for the establishment of a dedicated state film archive, marking a major step toward preserving the cinematic legacy of Odisha.
The MoU was signed between Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department, and Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Director of the Film Heritage Foundation.
The announcement was made during the concluding ceremony of the 10th Film Preservation and Restoration Workshop held at Kalabhoomi.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who graced the event as Chief Guest, said that films reflect the true image of a society and its cultural life. He emphasized that preserving old films ensures that cinematic treasures, which are fading from public memory, are revived for future generations.
Minister for Co-operation, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Pradeep Bal Samanta, who also attended the programme, highlighted that old Odia films remain a significant source of inspiration and cultural learning. “It is our collective responsibility to preserve these invaluable creations,” he said.
The workshop, which commenced on November 12, was organized in collaboration with the Film Heritage Foundation, the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF), and the state’s Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department. Over the course of the intensive programme, 59 participants received hands-on training in film conservation and restoration techniques.
The ceremony concluded with the felicitation of all participants, who were awarded certificates and mementos in recognition of their successful completion of the workshop.
