Mumbai: An exhibition of the wall posters and photographs on the theme of nation building focusing on films as ‘Edutainment in India’ organized by the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) was inaugurated by Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Anand Sharma at Kala Akadami as part of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) – 2008.

Chief Minister of Goa Digamber V. Kamat, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting secretary Sushma Singh, and Chief Secretary of Goa J. P. Singh were also present on the occasion.

There are around 200 exhibits depicting the origin and development of Indian cinema, the exhibition displays how Indian cinema has dealt with the burning issues before the nation like eradication of untouchability and caste consciousness, class conflicts, emancipation of women, child abuse, old age issues, problem of mentality and physically challenged people, rural upliftment, rural urban divide, urban development, regional and linguistic differences, communal intolerance, prohibition, terrorism, instilling pride in Indian heritage and culture. The Exhibition offers some insights to the film enthusiasts and scholars into the role of Indian cinema in shaping, moulding and reforming the Indian society.

The NFAI has arranged the screening of the masterpiece of Dada Saheb Phalke’s silent cinema Kalia Mardan made in 1919 with live musical accompaniment on 23 November for delegates and guests.

NFAI also focus on internationally acclaimed Indian films till 1950 under ‘Treasures from Archives’ title. The screening will start on 24 November with the screening of 75 year old Karma, which is the first international production by Himanshu Rai. The other films to follow in this segment are Saint Tukaram, Journey of Dr. Kotnis, Neecha Nagar and Kalpana.