Waheeda Rehman Inaugurates 10th Film Preservation and Restoration Workshop India in Odisha

Waheeda Rehman Opens 10th Film Preservation and Restoration Workshop India

Odisha has become the centre of India’s film heritage movement with the inauguration of the 10th Film Preservation and Restoration Workshop India (FPRWI) in Bhubaneswar. The event, opened by legendary actress Waheeda Rehman , reaffirmed the country’s commitment to safeguarding its cinematic legacy through modern archival practices, training programmes and knowledge-sharing.

Celebration of Film Heritage in Odisha

Addressing archivists, filmmakers and students, Waheeda Rehman highlighted the urgent need to preserve India’s vast and diverse body of films—many of which are at risk due to degradation, improper storage and loss of original prints. She noted that safeguarding cinematic history is both a cultural responsibility and a gift to future generations. The Odisha edition marks a growing national recognition of film preservation as a core component of cultural heritage management.

Awards Honouring Film Preservation Pioneers

The workshop honoured several individuals for their remarkable contribution to film conservation.
Robin Baker received the Outstanding Achievement Award for his decades-long work in international film curation and archival advocacy. The focus on regional cinema was equally strong, with efforts related to Odia film history earning special recognition.

Championing Regional Film Documentation

The Champion of Film Heritage Award was presented to Surya Deo for documenting and preserving rare artefacts of Odia cinema. Sanjoy Patnaik was honoured for his research on early Odia film pioneers, while Rashmiranjan Mohapatra received a Certificate of Appreciation for depicting classic Odia films through Pattachitra, blending traditional art with cinematic memory.

Exam Facts

• Odisha hosted the 10th Film Preservation and Restoration Workshop India .

• Waheeda Rehman inaugurated the event in Bhubaneswar.

• Robin Baker received the Outstanding Achievement Award .

• Surya Deo and Sanjoy Patnaik were honoured for contributions to Odia film heritage.

Strengthening India’s Film Preservation Movement

The workshop emphasised collaborative training, hands-on restoration techniques and archival standards to protect India’s cinematic history. By fostering regional participation and honouring preservers, the event reinforced its mission to build a strong national ecosystem for film conservation.