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Cross-border collaboration aims to restore cinematic treasures
A global effort for film heritage preservation
In an inspiring move to enhance the preservation of cinematic history, India’s Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) has partnered with French diplomatic missions in India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The ambitious two-year endeavor, known as FISCH (France-India-Sri Lanka Cine Heritage), aims to restore and preserve iconic films from these regions, ensuring that the rich cultural history embodied in these films is available for future generations.
The powerhouses behind FISCH
FISCH is supported by prominent French entities including the French Embassy and the French Institute in India, along with their counterparts in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The initiative underscores a vital transnational commitment to film restoration, preservation, and outreach, spotlighting the collaborative spirit across borders.
Inaugural workshop in Kerala
The project launched with a workshop on film preservation and restoration, running until November 14 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, southern India. Organized in collaboration with the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF), this workshop has brought together 67 participants for intensive training in state-of-the-art film restoration techniques. Esteemed faculty from prestigious French institutions such as Cinémathèque de Toulouse, Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé, and Institut National de l’Audiovisuel (INA) are leading the sessions, providing a genuine exchange of knowledge and expertise.
Reviving a cinematic gem
One of the landmark projects under FISCH is the restoration of the 1978 Sinhala-language coming-of-age drama “Gehenu Lamai”, directed by Sumitra Peries and produced by Lester James Peries. Eleven participants from Sri Lanka will contribute to the restoration effort, working closely with the Lester James Peries and Sumitra Peries Foundation. This project not only preserves an important cultural artifact but also fosters international cooperation and skill development.
Establishing a permanent legacy
Another significant aspect of the FISCH initiative is the establishment of a permanent training center in Mumbai. This center is envisioned as a hub for developing new generations of film preservationists through annual training programs, ensuring the continuity of film restoration skills and knowledge.
Significance of preserving cinema
Highlighting the importance of this collaboration, representatives from the French Embassy have emphasized the project’s role in preserving Sri Lankan cinema, particularly praising “Gehenu Lamai” as a “cinematographic gem.” The initiative is seen as a tribute to the outstanding talent of the directors and the invaluable contribution of Sri Lankan cinema to global cultural heritage.
The French Ambassador to India also noted the importance of preserving India’s extensive and prolific film industry. Indian cinema, being one of the largest in the world, has a significant impact on global cultural heritage, and restoring these films makes them accessible to contemporary audiences and preserves them for future generations.
A historical initiative
FHF director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur heralded FISCH as a ”historic international initiative.” He shared his personal connection to the project through his relationship with filmmakers Lester James Peries and Sumitra Peries, mentioning that Sumitra had sent him notes on films she would have liked to restore. This personal touch adds depth to the restoration efforts, merging professional dedication with heartfelt homage to cinematic legends.
Celebrated restorations and future endeavors
FHF’s previous successes further highlight the foundation’s credibility and expertise in film restoration. The restored versions of Girish Kasaravalli’s “Ghatashraddha” (1977) and Shyam Benegal’s “Manthan” (1976) were featured at prestigious film festivals such as Venice and Cannes earlier this year. The collaboration with Martin Scorsese’s World Cinema Project to restore Aravindan Govindan’s “Kummatty” (1979) and “Thamp̄” (1978) — both showcased at Cannes Classics 2022 — underscores the ongoing commitment to preserving classic cinema. Moreover, Aribam Syam Sharma’s “Ishanou” (1990), which played at Cannes Classics 2023, reflects the broader spectrum of restoration projects.
Currently, FHF is working on several celebrated Indian classics, including Ramesh Sippy’s “Sholay” (1975), Nirad Mahapatra’s “Maya Miriga” (1984), and ongoing efforts to restore Shyam Benegal’s “Manthan” (1976).
Embrace the film heritage project
This collaborative effort marks an important step in the preservation of cultural narratives told through film. It serves as a beacon of international cooperation, technical expertise, and a shared dedication to preserving world cinema. Join us in celebrating these efforts to save and cherish our cinematic heritage. Stay connected for more updates on this remarkable journey in film preservation and restoration.
