Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today inaugurated the 10th edition of the Film Preservation and Restoration Workshop India – 2025 at the Odisha Crafts Museum (Kalabhoomi) in Bhubaneswar, underscoring the state’s commitment to safeguarding its rich cinematic heritage.
Veteran Hindi film actress Waheeda Rehman attended the event as a special guest, while Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan joined virtually to extend his support.
“Our Odia cinema is a symbol of our cultural legacy, intertwined with countless memories,” CM Majhi said in his inaugural address. “Initiatives like this workshop will ensure these memories remain alive, inspiring future generations.” He described the event as a timely step toward preserving Odisha’s film heritage, emphasising that film conservation is not merely a technical task but a profound cultural responsibility.
The three-day workshop, running until November 19, is a collaborative effort by the Odisha government’s Handicrafts, Weaving & Handloom Department, the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), and the International Federation of Film Archives. It brings together renowned filmmakers, researchers, and archivists from India and abroad to discuss and demonstrate techniques for preserving and restoring cinematic treasures.
In a significant announcement, CM Majhi revealed that the state government will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the FHF to facilitate the restoration of Odia films. “The government will extend full cooperation to restore the heart and pride of Odia cinema,” he assured, expressing gratitude to the FHF for their ongoing work on restoring classics like *Konkalata* (1973) and *Maya Miriga* (1984).
Addressing filmmakers, researchers, and conservators, the Chief Minister highlighted how the workshop will empower local talent and provide global guidance to Odisha’s film industry. “This is about empowering our creators and ensuring our stories endure,” he added.
Handicrafts, Weaving & Handloom Minister Pradeep Bal Samant echoed the sentiment, stating, “Cinema mirrors our social and cultural life. Through preservation, the memories and expressions embedded in every reel will be revived.”
In his virtual message, Amitabh Bachchan praised Odisha’s vibrant film tradition, tracing its roots to the 1936 release of *Sita Bibaha*, directed by Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami – the first Odia film. He lauded the contributions of legendary figures such as Nirad Mohapatra, Manmohan Mohapatra, Ghanashyam Mohapatra, Pratul Sengupta, Nitaai Palit, Parbati Ghose, Prasanta Nanda, Uttam Mohanty, Bijay Mohanty, and Jharana Das to Odia cinema’s growth.
Waheeda Rehman commended the Odisha government’s initiative in film preservation, thanking them for their proactive role in the field.
The event also featured awards from the FHF: the Outstanding Film Heritage Award to Robin Baker, and the Champion of Film Heritage honours to Sanjay Pattnaik and Surya Deo for their notable contributions to the sector.
Among the dignitaries present were Digapahandi MLA and popular Odia film star Siddhanta Mahapatra, Ekamra Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, former MLA and filmmaker Prasanta Nanda, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Handicrafts Department Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, *Konkalata* producer Ghanashyam Mahapatra, and several other prominent film personalities.
Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Director of the Film Heritage Foundation, delivered the welcome address.
The workshop is poised to not only revive forgotten reels but also position Odisha as a hub for cinematic conservation in India.
