Preserving India’s Cinematic Memory

India’s push to protect film heritage

Preserving India’s Cinematic Memory: India has taken a decisive step to protect its cinematic legacy by expanding the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM). The mission focuses on rescuing ageing and endangered films that face the risk of permanent loss. Through systematic digitisation and restoration, the initiative safeguards films across eras, languages, and genres.

Cinema in India is not merely entertainment. It is a historical record of social change, political movements, and cultural expression. By strengthening NFHM, the government has recognised films as valuable national heritage assets.

Static GK fact: India is one of the world’s largest film-producing countries, releasing films in more than 20 languages.

Progress achieved under NFHM

The achievements under NFHM are substantial and measurable. So far, 1,469 film titles have been digitised, covering nearly 4.3 lakh minutes of cinematic content. This includes feature films, documentaries, and short films from different regions of the country.

Digitisation prevents damage caused by humidity, chemical decay, and repeated physical handling. It also ensures that rare films, some of which exist in only one surviving print, are preserved in high-quality digital formats for future generations.

Static GK tip: Celluloid film reels deteriorate faster in tropical climates, making digitisation crucial for countries like India.

Role of the National Film Archives of India

The restored films are curated and maintained by the National Film Archives of India (NFAI). The institution is responsible for proper storage, classification, and long-term preservation of digitised content. It also plays a key role in documenting India’s cinematic evolution.

Several restored titles are made accessible through NFAI’s digital platforms. This controlled access benefits researchers, film students, historians, and cultural institutions. It also promotes informed appreciation of India’s film heritage beyond commercial cinema.

Static GK fact: NFAI was established in 1964 and functions under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Supporting linguistic and regional diversity

Alongside preservation, the government continues to support filmmakers across all Indian languages, including Bengali and other regional industries. Assistance provided through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ensures balanced growth of cinema beyond dominant language markets.

This approach strengthens cultural representation and prevents marginalisation of regional narratives. It also aligns with India’s constitutional commitment to linguistic diversity and cultural plurality.

Static GK tip: Regional cinema often reflects local history, folklore, and social issues absent in mainstream films.

DCDFC scheme and parliamentary disclosure

The Development, Communication and Dissemination of Filmic Content (DCDFC) Scheme complements NFHM by supporting film production and outreach. It provides financial and institutional assistance to help filmmakers develop and promote content within India and abroad.

Details of these initiatives were shared in the Lok Sabha by Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting. The response to parliamentary questions highlighted a coordinated policy framework linking preservation, production, and global promotion of Indian cinema.

Static GK fact: Parliamentary questions are a key accountability tool used by Members of Parliament to seek policy details from the executive.

Cultural and educational significance

By integrating preservation with access and support, India is building a sustainable ecosystem for cinema heritage. NFHM ensures that films remain available not only as art forms but also as educational and historical resources.

This expanded mission strengthens India’s soft power and preserves cinematic memory as a shared national asset.

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Preserving India’s Cinematic Memory: