Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the 10th Film Preservation and Restoration Workshop–2025 at Kalabhumi, Bhubaneswar, calling for collective efforts to preserve Odisha’s cinematic legacy. Emphasising the cultural importance of film preservation, he said, “Our Odia cinema is a symbol of our cultural heritage. Many memories are associated with it. When we are trying to preserve it, these memories will surely live on and inspire future generations.”
The workshop, jointly organised by the Department of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, the Film Heritage Foundation, and the International Federation of Film Archives, aims to empower filmmakers and provide international exposure and expertise to strengthen the Odia film industry.
The inaugural event was graced by legendary actress Waheeda Rehman and Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, who joined virtually to express their admiration for Odisha’s contribution to Indian cinema. Bachchan lauded the State’s rich film tradition, which began in 1936 with Sita Vivah directed by Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami, and paid tribute to iconic Odia film personalities such as Nirad Mohapatra, Manmohan Mohapatra, Ghanashyam Mohapatra, Nitai Palit, Parvati Ghosh, Prashant Nanda, Uttam Mohanty, Bijay Mohanty, and Jharana Das.
Chief Minister Majhi announced that the State Government has signed an agreement with the Film Heritage Foundation to restore classic Odia films, including Kankalata (1973) and Mayamiriga (1984). He assured full government cooperation to revive and protect the cinematic treasures of Odisha. “Film preservation is not just a technical task, it is a cultural responsibility,” he noted, adding that the workshop will serve as a platform for learning and global collaboration.
Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Pradeep Balasamant highlighted that films are mirrors of society and culture. “By preserving them, we ensure that our memories and expressions continue to live in every reel that might otherwise be lost,” he said.
Among those present were MLA and actor Sidhhant Mohapatra, Bhubaneswar (Ekamra) MLA Babu Singh, veteran filmmaker and former MLA Prashant Nanda, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, and Ghanshyam Mohapatra, producer of Kankalata.
The week-long workshop, continuing till November 19, will feature sessions by international experts and screenings of restored classics, marking a major step toward safeguarding and celebrating Odisha’s cinematic heritage.