OPINION Renowned filmmaker Muzaffar Ali donates rare copy of ‘Anjuman’ to NFDC-NFAI

A 35mm release print copy of the Hindi feature film directed and produced by Ali was donated to the NFDC–NFAI as part of ongoing efforts to preserve India’s cinematic heritage.

The NFDC-NFAI collection became richer due to a generous donation of an award-winning film, Anjuman (1986), by renowned filmmaker Muzaffar Ali. A 35mm release print copy of the Hindi feature film directed and produced by Ali was donated to the NFDC–NFAI as part of ongoing efforts to preserve India’s cinematic heritage.

The print was formally handed over by Muzaffar Ali to Shri Prakash Magdum,  MD, National Film Development Corporation, in New Delhi.

Anjuman was an official selection of the Indian Panorama in 1986 and was also part of the prestigious Vancouver Film Festival and Tehran Film Festival. The film was extensively shot in old Lucknow, with principal cinematography by Ishan Arya. Despite being screened at several international film festivals, the film did not receive a theatrical release.

Ali said, “Anjuman was one of the steps that followed Gaman, Aagaman, and Umrao Jaan. I think the NFDC-NFAI’s work under the National Film Heritage Mission is extremely valuable for the film world — especially for filmmakers. NFDC’s work in the field of preservation and conservation is like a breath of fresh air. This isn’t a business; it’s about building bridges.

Thanking Muaffar Ali, the MD Prakash Magdum said that it is very important to preserve the country’s cinematic heritage for future generations. Magdum pointed out that the National Film Heritage Mission of the Govt of India, implemented by NFDC-NFAI, is a major step towards that direction.