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Tag: Prakash Magdum

  • LTIMindtree, IFFI script India’s first AI film fest

    LTIMindtree, IFFI script India’s first AI film fest

    MUMBAI: Cinema is getting a digital rewrite. LTIMindtree has partnered with the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to launch India’s first-ever AI Film Festival and Hackathon, set to take place during IFFI 2025 in Goa from November 20 to 28.

    The initiative, powered by LTIMindtree’s Blueverse Craftstudio, aims to explore how artificial intelligence can reshape the way stories are written, filmed, and experienced. From AI-generated films to creative tech experiments, the festival promises to be a melting pot of imagination and innovation.

    Speaking about the initiative, festival director of IFFI and jury chair of the IFFI AI film festival Shekhar Kapur said, “Cinema has always reflected the power of human imagination. Today, AI gives us a new lens that expands our ability to dream, design, and express.”

    Adding to that, LTIMindtree executive vice president and global head of interactive services Sujay Sen said, “The future of storytelling lies at the confluence of human creativity and AI. We’re proud to help bring that future to life.”

    NFDC managing director Prakash Magdum noted that this partnership extends IFFI’s legacy of celebrating emerging voices and technologies into “the world of AI: responsibly, inclusively, and with global collaboration.”

    The event will feature an AI film showcase, a 48-hour hackathon, and workshops on creative technology, offering filmmakers, developers, and dreamers alike a front-row seat to the next big evolution in storytelling.

    As cinema meets code in Goa, IFFI 2025 might just prove that the next great filmmaker could be part human, part algorithm.

     

  • Prime Video adds a reel treat with NFDC’s ‘Cinemas of India’ for just Rs 199 a year

    Prime Video adds a reel treat with NFDC’s ‘Cinemas of India’ for just Rs 199 a year

    MUMBAI: Prime Video India has rolled out the red carpet for film buffs, announcing the launch of ‘NFDC – Cinemas of India’ as an add-on subscription, priced at just Rs 199 per year. The collection is a goldmine of Indian cinema, featuring landmark films by the likes of Satyajit Ray, Shyam Benegal, Mira Nair, Kalpana Lajmi, and more.

    The newly added bouquet includes cinematic heavyweights like Gandhi, Mirch Masala, Rudaali, Salaam Bombay!, Agantuk, and Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda — all carefully curated by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), known for nurturing India’s parallel cinema movement.

    Part of Amazon’s growing video entertainment marketplace, the service provides frictionless access to over a hundred critically acclaimed films across 12 Indian languages — from Bioscope (Malayalam) to Parinamam (Malayalam), Percy (Gujarati) to Qissa (Punjabi).

    Many of the titles boast honours from Cannes, Venice, Toronto and the National Awards, making the NFDC channel a veritable masterclass in Indian storytelling.

    “NFDC has been the cornerstone of India’s finest cinema, nurturing path-breaking films for decades. We’re excited to announce NFDC – Cinemas of India as our newest add-on subscription, featuring an exclusively curated collection of cinematic masterpieces,” said Prime Video head of marketplace (add-on subscriptions and movie rentals), Gaurav Bhasin. “The collection showcases the rich heritage of Indian cinema across our linguistically diverse entertainment industry. Whether you’re a cinephile or just beginning to explore Indian cinema, NFDC’s catalogue offers an unparalleled window into our country’s most acclaimed and culturally significant films. Through add-on subscriptions like these, we continue our commitment at Prime Video to super-serve customers with more of what they love, all in one place.”

    “We are thrilled to collaborate with Prime Video to make NFDC’s rich collection of movies accessible to a wider audience. For decades, NFDC has supported pioneering filmmakers and impactful narratives that showcase India’s cultural diversity. With Prime Video’s massive reach across the country, we are confident that these timeless, thought-provoking, stories will reach and be enjoyed by new audiences, and enable us to take Indian cinema far and wide,” said NFDC Ltd MD, Prakash Magdum.

    For the price of popcorn, viewers can now stream decades of cinematic genius — all in one click. Lights, camera, nostalgia.

  • Centre mulls giving financial help to states to help preserve cinema culture

    Centre mulls giving financial help to states to help preserve cinema culture

    NEW DELHI: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is exploring possibilities of extending financial and technical support to State Governments in their efforts to safeguard the country’s film heritage, as Secretary Ajay Mittal said “the objective of preserving the country’s cinematic heritage has to be achieved in collaboration with state governments.”

    Speaking on the sidelines of a High Level Committee meeting on National Film Heritage Mission held in National Film Archives of India in Pune today, Mittal said the Committee had taken some major decisions to expand the horizons of the National Film Heritage Mission.

    “The mission would ensure not only the preservation of filmic heritage but also its dissemination and access to the last mile. This would create awareness amongst youth and children about our rich cultural heritage” he observed.

    Appreciating the efforts of officers at NFAI in implementing the Mission, Mr Mittal said all necessary steps are being undertaken to involve International organizations and institutions to ensure project’s implementation as per global standards. He further added that NFAI’s facilities would be augmented by creating new state-of-the-art vaults in its premises.

    Laying thrust on the need for enhancing research on Indian cinema, Mittal said the government is exploring the possibility of extending NFAI’s research fellowship to the University level through formal institutional mechanisms.

    “NFAI would reach out to major Universities for short and long term courses in the area of film studies incorporating subjects of film archiving and preservation. This would ensure building of skilled manpower in the niche area of film preservation”, Mittal added.

    The High Level Committee meeting was attended by senior officers of the Ministry which included Additional Secretary ad Financial Adviser Subhash Sharma, Joint Secretary (Films) Sanjay Murthy, Films Division Director General Mukesh Sharma, NFAI Director Prakash Magdum, officer on special duty in NFHM Santosh Ajmera, along with filmmakers Jahnu Barua and Rajeev Mehrotra.

    National Film Heritage Mission is a prestigious project of the Government for digitization, restoration, preservation and conservation of country’s rich filmic heritage. The mission has budgetary outlay of Rs. 597.41 crore and is to be implemented till 2021. NFAI is the implementing agency for the mission. The High Level Committee chaired by Secretary I&B has been mandated to oversee project’s implementation as per envisaged objectives of the Mission.

  • Centre mulls giving financial help to states to help preserve cinema culture

    Centre mulls giving financial help to states to help preserve cinema culture

    NEW DELHI: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is exploring possibilities of extending financial and technical support to State Governments in their efforts to safeguard the country’s film heritage, as Secretary Ajay Mittal said “the objective of preserving the country’s cinematic heritage has to be achieved in collaboration with state governments.”

    Speaking on the sidelines of a High Level Committee meeting on National Film Heritage Mission held in National Film Archives of India in Pune today, Mittal said the Committee had taken some major decisions to expand the horizons of the National Film Heritage Mission.

    “The mission would ensure not only the preservation of filmic heritage but also its dissemination and access to the last mile. This would create awareness amongst youth and children about our rich cultural heritage” he observed.

    Appreciating the efforts of officers at NFAI in implementing the Mission, Mr Mittal said all necessary steps are being undertaken to involve International organizations and institutions to ensure project’s implementation as per global standards. He further added that NFAI’s facilities would be augmented by creating new state-of-the-art vaults in its premises.

    Laying thrust on the need for enhancing research on Indian cinema, Mittal said the government is exploring the possibility of extending NFAI’s research fellowship to the University level through formal institutional mechanisms.

    “NFAI would reach out to major Universities for short and long term courses in the area of film studies incorporating subjects of film archiving and preservation. This would ensure building of skilled manpower in the niche area of film preservation”, Mittal added.

    The High Level Committee meeting was attended by senior officers of the Ministry which included Additional Secretary ad Financial Adviser Subhash Sharma, Joint Secretary (Films) Sanjay Murthy, Films Division Director General Mukesh Sharma, NFAI Director Prakash Magdum, officer on special duty in NFHM Santosh Ajmera, along with filmmakers Jahnu Barua and Rajeev Mehrotra.

    National Film Heritage Mission is a prestigious project of the Government for digitization, restoration, preservation and conservation of country’s rich filmic heritage. The mission has budgetary outlay of Rs. 597.41 crore and is to be implemented till 2021. NFAI is the implementing agency for the mission. The High Level Committee chaired by Secretary I&B has been mandated to oversee project’s implementation as per envisaged objectives of the Mission.

  • Viacom18 partners FHF for Film Preservation & Restoration Workshop India 2016

    Viacom18 partners FHF for Film Preservation & Restoration Workshop India 2016

    MUMBAI: Viacom18 and Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) have joined hands for the second time in a row with an aim to save and uphold the legacy of India’s cinematic heritage. 

    The workshop titled ‘Film Preservation & Restoration Workshop India 2016’ will take place from 26 February – 6 March in Pune and will involve lectures, presentations and practical classes that will be conducted by leading international experts in the field. 

    The workshop will be inaugurated by veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah in the presence of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting secretary Sunil Arora, Viacom 18 Media group CEO Sudhanshu Vats, Film Heritage Foundation founder director Shivendra Singh Dungarpu and National Film Archive of India director Prakash Magdum.

    Extending support to this unique initiative, Vats said, “We strongly believe that every enterprise has to be global and social at the same time. At Viacom18, we know for a fact that India is a country of storytellers; in fact the largest and oldest stories in the world come from here. And so we realise how important it is to preserve our cultural heritage for the benefit of the future generations. We look forward to educate and interact with cinema enthusiasts during the course of the film preservation and restoration workshop 2016.”

    Dungarpur added, “After receiving a great response in the first year itself, we are back again with a longer, more advanced and intensive Film Preservation and Restoration Workshop for all those who understand the importance of the rich cinematic legacy of India and who wish to learn, explore and contribute and contribute to saving our film heritage. FHF would like to thank Sudhanshu Vats for being one of the first people from the media and film industry to have the vision to recognise the importance of our cause and for Viacom’s unstinting support.”

    With a committee of panelists including some of the most influential names from the industry from across the globe, this year the workshop will give practical training to help make abled archivists, which is a dire need for cinema in India. This also opens up a career alternative for film students of many acclaimed universities across India, allowing them to learn more in-depth knowledge on this topic. 

    With a mix of technical workshops on the craft of preservation and lectures specially designed by FIAF Technical Commission head David Walsh there will also be a daily screening of a great Indian classic.

    Extending his support to the initiative, Shah said, “When Shivendra called me and requested me to be the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the Film Preservation & Restoration Workshop India 2016, I was very happy to accept. There has been a growing awareness about how much of our cinematic legacy has been lost over the years for various reasons and the urgent need to preserve what is left of it. I think it’s great that Film Heritage Foundation and National Film Archive of India have come together with FIAF to conduct this important workshop to train people in the highly specialised field of film archiving which is essential if we are to save our cinematic heritage.”

  • Viacom18 partners FHF for Film Preservation & Restoration Workshop India 2016

    Viacom18 partners FHF for Film Preservation & Restoration Workshop India 2016

    MUMBAI: Viacom18 and Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) have joined hands for the second time in a row with an aim to save and uphold the legacy of India’s cinematic heritage. 

    The workshop titled ‘Film Preservation & Restoration Workshop India 2016’ will take place from 26 February – 6 March in Pune and will involve lectures, presentations and practical classes that will be conducted by leading international experts in the field. 

    The workshop will be inaugurated by veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah in the presence of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting secretary Sunil Arora, Viacom 18 Media group CEO Sudhanshu Vats, Film Heritage Foundation founder director Shivendra Singh Dungarpu and National Film Archive of India director Prakash Magdum.

    Extending support to this unique initiative, Vats said, “We strongly believe that every enterprise has to be global and social at the same time. At Viacom18, we know for a fact that India is a country of storytellers; in fact the largest and oldest stories in the world come from here. And so we realise how important it is to preserve our cultural heritage for the benefit of the future generations. We look forward to educate and interact with cinema enthusiasts during the course of the film preservation and restoration workshop 2016.”

    Dungarpur added, “After receiving a great response in the first year itself, we are back again with a longer, more advanced and intensive Film Preservation and Restoration Workshop for all those who understand the importance of the rich cinematic legacy of India and who wish to learn, explore and contribute and contribute to saving our film heritage. FHF would like to thank Sudhanshu Vats for being one of the first people from the media and film industry to have the vision to recognise the importance of our cause and for Viacom’s unstinting support.”

    With a committee of panelists including some of the most influential names from the industry from across the globe, this year the workshop will give practical training to help make abled archivists, which is a dire need for cinema in India. This also opens up a career alternative for film students of many acclaimed universities across India, allowing them to learn more in-depth knowledge on this topic. 

    With a mix of technical workshops on the craft of preservation and lectures specially designed by FIAF Technical Commission head David Walsh there will also be a daily screening of a great Indian classic.

    Extending his support to the initiative, Shah said, “When Shivendra called me and requested me to be the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the Film Preservation & Restoration Workshop India 2016, I was very happy to accept. There has been a growing awareness about how much of our cinematic legacy has been lost over the years for various reasons and the urgent need to preserve what is left of it. I think it’s great that Film Heritage Foundation and National Film Archive of India have come together with FIAF to conduct this important workshop to train people in the highly specialised field of film archiving which is essential if we are to save our cinematic heritage.”

  • NFAI launches contest for National Film Heritage Mission

    NFAI launches contest for National Film Heritage Mission

    NEW DELHI: The Pune-based National Film Archive of India (NFAI) has launched a logo and tagline competition for the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM).

     

    The National Film Heritage Mission aims at restoration, preservation, digitization and conservation of the rich film heritage of the country.

     

    NFAI seeks to crowd-source entries for the logo and tagline through the MyGov portal – www.mygov.in and the New Media Wing of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

     

    The last date for submission of entries is 20 October, 2015.

     

    The best logo would attract a cash prize of Rs 30,000, whereas the tagline would get a cash prize of Rs 15,000. A panel of experts at NFAI will finalise the winners of the competition. 

     

    “The crowd-sourcing of logo and tagline would enable participation in the implementation of the National Film Heritage Mission and preservation of our rich filmic heritage,” said NFAI director Prakash Magdum.

     

    NFHM is a Mission Mode project launched by the Central Government with a total outlay of Rs 597.41 crore. This Mission is to be implemented during 12th and 13th Five Year Plan.