After having accomplished a successful inaugural edition of an academic initiative focused on Film Preservation and Restoration last year, this year the Film Heritage Foundation in association with Viacom18 have once again joined hands with an aim to save and uphold the legacy of India`s cinematic heritage.

The inaugural event, which was held in the National Film Archive of India in Pune saw support from film industry stalwarts such as actor par excellence Mr. Naseeruddin Shah who was the Guest of Honor. At the inaugural event, filmmaker and archivist - Mr Shivendra Singh Dungarpur and Chairman CII National Committee on Media & Entertainment & Group CEO Viacom18 Media Pvt- Mr Sudhanshu Vats addressed the audience about the need to preserve India`s rich filmi legacy.

The workshop titled Film Preservation & Restoration Workshop India 2016`will take place from February 25th to March 6th in Pune and will involve lectures, presentations and practical classes that will be conducted by leading international experts in the field, for cinema enthusiasts who want to learn in-depth knowledge of the subject.

Mr Amitabh Bachchan who couldn't be present at the event expressed his views saying, "As the brand ambassador of film heritage foundation, I was very pleased when Shivendra Singh Dungarpur informed me that Film Heritage Foundation is joining hands with the National Film Archiving of India to conduct the second Film Preservation and Reservation Workshop- India at the NFAI, Pune. This is a timely partnership to run an intensive training workshop as the Government initiates the National Film Heritage Mission. I was very happy to be the Chief Guest at the first ever Film Preservation Workshop in mUmbai last year. I believe that it is the cause that must be supported and endorsed by all of us in the film industry. We are the creators of our work, but we must also respect what we create and ensure that it is saved for prosperity. I wish Film Heritage Foundation and the NFAI All the best for this excellent initiative".

Naseerudin Shah, in support of the Film Preservation and Restoration Workshop said, "It is a matter of great pride for me to be here. On behalf of the entire film fraternity, I would like to thank Shivendra for this initiative. I am very proud that there are 50 films of mine in the archive list here. I can`t thank P.K. Nair Saab enough because he has inspired a generation of youngsters to follow him in his footsteps."

With a mix of technical workshops on the craft of preservation and lectures specially designed by David Walsh, Head of the FIAF Technical Commission, there will also be a daily screening of a restored classic preceded by an introductory talk on the restoration. One of the USP`s of this initiative, this year is that Thelma Ross from the Museum of Modern Art, New York will be conducting sessions in the specialized field of documentation and cataloguing.