Prakash Magdum, the Managing Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), is spearheading an ambitious effort to preserve and promote India's rich cinematic heritage. With a career spanning two decades, Magdum's vision focuses on making this heritage accessible to both domestic and global audiences through innovative strategies and technological advancements.

Magdum, a 1999-batch officer of the Indian Information Service, assumed the role of Managing Director of NFDC in May 2025. Prior to this, he held key positions such as Additional Director General of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) in Ahmedabad. His experience also includes serving as the Director of the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) in Pune, where he played a crucial role in the National Film Heritage Mission. Magdum has also served as Registrar of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and as a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence in Thiruvananthapuram.

Under Magdum's leadership, the NFDC is embarking on a significant digital transformation to curate, preserve, and showcase Indian cinema worldwide. A core element of this transformation is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to restore classic films, ensuring their longevity and appeal to contemporary audiences. This initiative aims to breathe new life into cinematic gems, making them available for future generations.

Recognizing the importance of global reach, the NFDC is actively pursuing partnerships with international streaming platforms. These collaborations will facilitate wider distribution of Indian films, enabling them to reach diverse audiences across the globe. By leveraging the power of streaming services, the NFDC aims to position India as a major player in the global film industry.

In addition to digital restoration and global partnerships, Magdum is focused on expanding the reach and impact of NFDC's flagship events, such as Film Bazaar and the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). These events serve as platforms for showcasing Indian talent, fostering collaborations, and promoting the exchange of ideas within the film community. By enhancing these events, the NFDC aims to create more opportunities for Indian filmmakers and strengthen the country's position as a hub for cinematic innovation.

Magdum emphasizes the importance of collaborative leadership and innovation in preserving and promoting India's cinematic legacy. He believes that by modernizing infrastructure, nurturing international collaborations, and promoting both restored classics and fresh content, the NFDC can ensure that India's rich cultural heritage is both preserved and made digitally accessible for the next generation.

NFDC, in collaboration with Autodesk and Innovative Film Academy, Bangalore, has announced a fully-sponsored one-year residential program in 3D Animation & VFX for young talents from North East India which will commence on August 18, 2025.