During the National Film Awards ceremony in October, Vaishnaw emphasised the need to preserve film heritage. “We really need to preserve our films. Important decisions have been taken to ensure the preservation of every part of our film heritage: the posters, equipment, and even newspaper clippings from those times. That is a valuable treasure, which can’t be recreated. We may create a new heritage, but we must protect what we have already created,” he stated.NFDC-NFAI, which is part of NFDC under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, houses a comprehensive collection of film reels and related materials, including posters, lobby cards, production notes, and cameras at its facilities in Pune. This collection, amassed over six decades, also includes rare magazines such as Variety (1932), Filmfare (1952), Chitra (1935), Screen (1951), and Mother India (1961).Under the new project, the NFDC-NFAI may also consider restoring materials currently held by private individuals or institutions, such as prosthetics, costumes, and set models.Once the conservation efforts are completed, these preserved heritage items could be put on public display, offering film enthusiasts, researchers, and students a chance to experience them in their full glory. Officials added that the NFDC-NFAI frequently organises exhibitions to make these treasures accessible for public viewing.Film Heritage Archived at NFDC-NFAICollection at NFAIPhotos: 222,545Film Reels: More than 200,000Film Posters: 43,683Song Booklets: 23,560Scripts: 34,038Books: 32,837Pamphlets: 11,553Slides: 11,553Pre-Audio Cassettes: 2,446Materials Not Archived at NFDC-NFAI
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