a crowd sourcing initiative

The Indian cinema has a rich and vibrant history and invaluable heritage. Many people and institutions have contributed in its development. Despite the enormous size and scale of Indian cinema, no structured approach to archiving and documenting the cinema existed till 1964 when the National Film Archives of India was established. This is in adequate given the enormity of the size, scale and diversity of Indian cinema. No digital platform exists which chronicles, archives, preserves and exhibits the vibrant history and rich heritage of Indian cinema, comprehensively. This continues to frustrate scholars and film enthusiasts alike. Absence of an all-inclusive quality online resource that chronicles, preserves and exhibits the vibrant history of Indian cinema leaves the need for an initiative to fill the void.

Cinema Memory Project is an initiative to create a digital repository of rare memories, memorabilia and fan stories (photographs, videos and documents) relating to cinema, donated by members of the film industry, fans, collectors and others, in digital form (without parting with the ownership of such photographs, videos and documents).

The objective of inviting donation of memories, memorabilia and fan stories is to add more material to Cinemaazi - the digital archive and documentation of the history of the Indian cinema and to unveil to the world, rare and interesting stories, narratives, information, visuals, anecdotes and other material about films and people associated with the films from the period up till 1989.

The project is managed by NHP Centre, an independent research foundation striving to creatively document India’s rich cultural heritage, traditions and practices, in particular from the twentieth century, for the benefit of present and future generations.

The Foundation seeks to inspire the youth to engage with art and culture while pursuing their economic goals and aspirations so that they continue to realize and manifest their cultural identity within the unique plurality of the cultural hierarchies of India.

The Centre is a humble yet path-breaking effort to introduce an alternate culture of community work where giving is not perceived as a charity but a responsibility; where one who receives is not recognised in any way smaller than the one who gives; where programs delivered are not listed as an accomplishment but a service; where engagements are not in the form of tutorials but as dialogues; and where youthful energy is reflected in actions, entrepreneurial acumen in decision making and humility in conduct.

Ours is an engagement of the equals!

To know more about the Centre and its work please visit www.nhpcentre.org