BANGALORE: Short documentaries on historic moments, lives of legends, agriculture and central government schemes, that were once widely produced and screened by the films division , are no longer visible. To popularise these films again, the division has now taken an initiative to digitize and catalogue 8,100 films produced by it.

Division director Amitabh Kumar said they plan to procure the films and digitize all archives by the 11th Five Year Plan. He was speaking at the inaugural function of the division's diamond jubilee celebrations on Wednesday.

Also on the cards is a 'Museum of Moving Images' in Mumbai that will showcase transition in documentary shootings and set designs , and display photographs and costumes from old films.

Chief producer of the division Kuldeep Sinha urged distributors, producers, and studio owners to give archival material for the museum. He said they plan to reach out to a larger audience through these measures. "Exhibitors and distributors are reluctant to screen documentaries as they look into the commercial aspect. Screening these films on a regular basis is a social duty and a national obligation," he said.

Film-maker M S Sathyu said the division set up in 1948 has been neglected by the Centre . "It is in a deplorable state and film reels are collecting dust," he added. In addition, shots of historic moments are missing. No one knows where they. There are no lists or software in this regard, he added.

LOOK OUT FOR THESE

To celebrate its diamond jubilee, the films division launched a four-day festival at Mangala Mantapa Auditorium , NMKRV Women's College, Jayanagar

Films on Thursday

Homi Bhabha: A scientist in action

Swimmy, animation film

The lost child

Lion and rabbit

The little terrorist

Vedic mathematics

Asiad-82

Marvel of memory

Waiting

Khajuraho

Radha Krishna

Weave me a flower

Gangu Bai Hangal

Continuous journey