Guwahati: In a significant achievement for Manipur and India's film preservation community, Johnson Rajkumar, the state's only film conservator, has been selected as the sole participant from India for the prestigious FIAF Film Restoration Summer School 2026 in Bologna, Italy.
Organised under the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF), the programme is widely regarded as one of the most advanced training platforms in film restoration, bringing together archivists, curators and conservators from across the world. It offers intensive, hands-on training in both photochemical and digital restoration techniques and is considered a benchmark in the field of film heritage preservation.
The training is conducted in collaboration with L'Immagine Ritrovata, a globally renowned film restoration laboratory in Italy. The facility has previously restored the acclaimed Manipuri film Ishanou (1990), which was later showcased in the Cannes Classics section at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, drawing international attention to Manipuri cinema.
Rajkumar has been at the forefront of efforts to preserve Manipur's cinematic heritage. He played a key role in establishing the SN Chand Cine Archive and Museum and has been working voluntarily for over five years to safeguard ageing and deteriorating film material in the state.
He was part of the team involved in the restoration of Ishanou and has also supervised the digitisation of Brojendragee Luhhongba (1973), the first feature film made by a Manipuri filmmaker. In addition, he has led efforts to recover surviving reels of Mainu Pemcha (1948), considered the earliest known attempt at filmmaking in Manipur.
In recognition of his work, Rajkumar was honoured with the "Champion of Film Heritage Award" by the Film Heritage Foundation, Mumbai, in 2022.
FIAF has awarded him a scholarship of 1,400 euros to support his participation in the programme. However, despite this assistance, financial constraints related to course fees, international travel and accommodation remain a challenge.
His selection marks a significant moment for Manipur, placing the state on the global map of film preservation. Experts say his participation could help bring back critical expertise, strengthening archival practices and contributing to the long-term preservation of the region's cinematic heritage.