World Day for Audiovisual Heritage

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage History

World Day for Audio-visual Heritage, celebrated globally, emphasizes preserving audio-visual material for present and future generations. Audio-visual heritage includes not only films, television, and radio but also recordings, photographs, and digitized archives that inform and influence how we understand our past, shaping our cultural and social identities. This day helps raise awareness about the vulnerability of these materials and the urgent need to safeguard them for posterity.

World Day for Audio-visual Heritage was initiated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2005. In India, the significance of this day is amplified as the country possesses a rich and diverse cultural heritage that is preserved through various audio-visual means. Indian cinema, in particular, has a long and illustrious history, beginning with the first full-length feature film, "Raja Harishchandra," released in 1913. Since then, cinema has played an integral role in Indian society and culture, transcending linguistic and regional barriers. Traditional art forms, classical music, dance, and various regional cultures also have significant audio-visual documentation, highlighting the need for preservation.

In India, World Day for Audio-visual Heritage is observed through various events and programs organized by film archives, museums, cultural institutions, and other organizations dedicated to preserving audio-visual heritage. These initiatives focus on raising awareness, conducting workshops on preservation techniques, and showcasing restored and archived materials through special screenings or exhibitions. World Day for Audio-visual Heritage is observed annually on October 27, emphasizing the significance of preserving India's rich and diverse cultural legacies for present and future generations.

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage facts

• The theme for World Day for Audiovisual Heritage in 2025 will be Your Window to the World. In 2024 and 2023 the theme was the same.
• Preserving audiovisual heritage can include digitization to create digital copies of analog materials, restoration to repair damaged materials, and proper storage and handling to prevent further deterioration.
• The National Film Archive of India (NFAI) at Pune is responsible for preserving India's audiovisual heritage. Established in 1964, it holds more than 30,000 film prints and related items in various languages representing various Indian cultures.
• The oldest surviving Indian film is 'Raja Harischandra' produced by Dadasaheb Phalke in 1913. This silent film is considered as the first "formally" full-length Indian feature film.

In the News and Trending in India for World Day for Audiovisual Heritage

Top things to do in India for this observance

• Spend the day watching classic Indian films or binge-watch your favorite TV series. Explore the rich audiovisual heritage of Indian cinema and enjoy some memorable storytelling.
• Discover the vast collection of Indian audiovisual heritage available in online archives and museums. Explore digital collections, exhibits, and documentaries to deepen your understanding of India's audiovisual history.