Film Preservation
Preservation of the film heritage of Sri Lanka is a prime responsibility of the NFC. A specific department named the Film Archive, in which hundreds of 35mm film prints are being kept, operates in order to protect old Sri Lankan movies.
Film Archive Holdings
In addition, 334 35mm Positive Film Prints and 91 Films of Picture/Sound Negatives have been transferred from NFC Archive to the Archive attached to the Department of National Archives in 2010. Some old 35mm film prints are also preserved at Sarasavi Film Studio premises.
Film Digitization Projects
Consequence of new technical evolution the film preservation in all over the world has been rapidly transforming into digitization which is mainly consists of Scanning and Restoring techniques. Ten (10) Sri Lankan old films have been scanned, restored and digitized with the support of the government and private funds so far.
Recent Restoration Project
The NFC is tirelessly working on digitizing more invaluable Sri Lankan films and most recent project was the"GAHANU LAMAI" (1978)restoration mission (FRANCE INDIA SRI LANKA CINE HERITAGE – FISCH PROJECT) initiated by the NFC and powered by the Frech Embassies in Sri Lanka and India. The restored version of GAHANU LAMAI was premiered in Cannes Film Festival in France on 17 th May 2025.
Awareness Programs on Film and Paper Conservation and Preservation
The NFC became a member of International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) in 2017 and
joined hands with the Film Heritage Foundation of India (FHF) as well. With the support and
guidance of FIAF and FHF, the NFC was able to organize below mentioned workshops and
training programs in Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, from 2017 FHF and FIAF have been providing
scholarships for appropriate employees in the film related government entities to participate
for FHF annual workshops occurs in India.
Workshop on Film Preservation (Rescue Mission)
Conducted at Sarasavi Studio
Workshop on Film Poster, Photograph and Paper Material Preservation – Kandy
Specialized training program held in Kandy
Workshop on Photographs and Film Conservation
Advanced conservation techniques workshop in Colombo
Since 2017, FIAF and FHF have been providing scholarships for appropriate employees in film-related government entities to participate in FHF annual workshops in India.