New Delhi – The Humayun’s Tomb Museum Auditorium recently hosted an intellectually stimulating evening that brought together filmmakers, historians, archaeologists, and cultural enthusiasts for a profound discussion on Heritage & Democracy. The event, presented by the Italian Embassy Cultural Centre in collaboration with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) and showcased acclaimed Italian filmmaker Milo Adami’s documentaries—Appia Antica and Mirabilia Urbis. These screenings were followed by a compelling public talk that delved into the intersection of cinema, archaeology, and the role of heritage in shaping democratic consciousness.
The panel discussion featured eminent personalities, including film director Milo Adami, renowned Italian actor Giuseppe Cederna, Ratish Nanda (Director, Aga Khan Trust for Culture), Jyotsna Lall (Director, AKTC Programmes), and Biraj Patnaik (Director, National Foundation for India). The discussion was moderated by Andrea Anastasio (Director, Italian Embassy Cultural Centre). It revolved around how archaeological heritage plays a crucial role in fostering public awareness and how cinema serves as a powerful medium to communicate the significance of preserving history.
Milo Adami’s films provided an insightful lens into the layered narratives of heritage conservation, urban archaeology, and the transformation of public spaces. His documentary Mirabilia Urbis particularly resonated with the audience, as it highlighted the invisible yet deeply embedded cultural heritage within modern cityscapes. Giuseppe Cederna, known for his compelling performances and his advocacy for cultural preservation, offered a unique perspective on the symbiotic relationship between storytelling and tangible heritage, evoking the efforts of his journalist father Antonio Cederna— a fundamental figure in the history of the Italian environmentalism and the defense of the Italian cultural heritage.
Ratish Nanda emphasized how the Aga Khan Trust for Culture has been at the forefront of heritage restoration, particularly in India, where projects such as the restoration of Humayun’s Tomb and other UNESCO World Heritage sites have played a pivotal role in reviving historical spaces. Jyotsna Lall talked about the Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative – an Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme for the AKTC. Biraj Patnaik emphasized the need for fighting against all kinds of cultural erasures.
Masterclass by Marco Tullio Giordana at Ambedkar University
As part of the Heritage International Film Festival (HIFF) 2025, another highlight of the week was a directing masterclass by legendary Italian filmmaker Marco Tullio Giordana at the Dr B R Ambedkar University Delhi. Known for his seminal works such as The Best of Youth, Giordana provided invaluable insights into his craft, influences, and cinematic philosophy. Drawing from the works of Dante Alighieri, Roberto Rossellini, Vittorio De Sica, Ingmar Bergman, and Valerio Zurlini, he spoke about the deep interconnections between literature, realism, and visual storytelling.
The masterclass was attended by aspiring filmmakers, film students, and cinema lovers eager to learn from Giordana’s rich experience in the industry. He elaborated on the art of constructing historical narratives with emotional depth, the balance between realism and dramatization, and the importance of revisiting historical events through a contemporary lens.
Workshop by Celine Pozzi
Also, as part of the Italian Focus at HIFF 2025, a special workshop was conducted by Céline Stéphanie Pozzi from the Cineteca di Bologna, offering an in-depth exploration of film restoration and preservation, at the India Habitat Centre. The session focused on the restoration of Vittorio De Sica’s films and the challenges of preserving the original elements of Satyajit Ray’s Apu Trilogy, while also delving into the advanced restoration techniques practiced at L’Immagine Ritrovata. With over two decades of experience, Pozzi—who has played a key role in digital restoration and international film preservation training—shared insights from her work at FIAF Film Restoration Schools and her expertise in analog and digital restoration workflows.
A Landmark Celebration of Heritage and Cinema
Both events—Cinema & Archaeology: Heritage & Democracy and Marco Tullio Giordana’s Masterclass—were significant contributions to the dialogue on heritage conservation, cinema’s transformative power, and the cultural bridges between India and Italy. They reaffirmed the role of cinema as not just entertainment but as an essential medium for historical consciousness, democratic values, and cultural preservation.
The screenings, discussions, workshop, and the masterclass marked a successful cultural exchange, leaving attendees with a deeper appreciation of the power of storytelling in shaping public awareness and preserving history.
