Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam today urged the Bangladesh Film Archive (BFA) to initiate the digitalization of film archives to protect films. He emphasized the need for the institution to be empowered with enhanced capabilities to safeguard the country’s cinematic heritage.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser made these remarks during a view exchange meeting after visiting the institute at Agargaon. He highlighted the essential role the archive has played in preserving various historical documents with cultural and traditional values, including foreign films. The meeting underscored the importance of collecting and protecting film documentaries that encapsulate the history and culture of Bangladesh.
The adviser also stressed documenting elements that are at least 50 years old from old institutional archives such as the Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and Dhaka University. He advocated for the preservation of writings and interviews of veteran filmmakers and the preparation of a digital catalog of all films preserved in the archive to facilitate research by film researchers and students.
Assuring support, the adviser mentioned that the government will extend full cooperation to enhance the capacity of the film archive. Director General of Bangladesh Film Archive Md. Abdul Jalil welcomed attendees with an address which included insights into the archive’s operations.
The meeting was attended by film archive director Farhana Rahman and other officials and employees of the institution. Earlier, the adviser toured the projection hall, film museum, film hospital, film vault, and library of the film archive.