Month: January 2024

New Delhi: In a momentous ceremony of Karuna Diwas held at Adhyatm Sadhna Kendra New Delhi by Ladakh Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, His Holiness Bhikku Sangasen bestowed an esteemed honor upon Dr. Sandeep Marwah, the President of Marwah Studios and Chancellor of AAFT University. Dr. Marwah’s extensive contributions to spirituality, peace-building, and cultural exchange were acknowledged during the event.

As the President of the World Peace Development and Research Foundation, operating in 156 countries, Dr. Sandeep Marwah has been tirelessly working towards fostering global harmony through the mediums of art and culture. Additionally, he holds the position of President of the Asian Unity Alliance, dedicated to promoting love, peace, and unity among Asian nations.

Dr. Marwah has played a pivotal role in internationalizing the practice of yoga, having reached out to 30,000 students from 145 countries through the Prithvi Yoga Centre. His commitment to spiritual causes extends to his patronage of several organizations, including the Confederation of World Religion, Global Yog Alliance, ISKON, Brahma Kumaris, and his association with the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre in Ladakh.

Addressing the audience, Dr. Sandeep Marwah shared profound insights into the essence of spirituality and its transformative power in shaping a harmonious world. He emphasized the role of art, culture, and yoga in promoting inner peace and fostering understanding among diverse communities.

In return, H.H. Holiness Bhikku Sangasen, the spiritual leader of the Ladakh Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, acknowledged Dr. Marwah’s significant contributions and presented awards to spiritual leaders from various parts of the country and abroad.

The ceremony served as a testament to Dr. Sandeep Marwah’s unwavering commitment to spiritual values, peace, and cultural exchange, reinforcing his position as a leading figure in the global pursuit of harmony and unity.

Noida: The grand finale of the 16th Global Film Festival Noida unfolded in a spectacular Fashion Show organized by the School of Fashion and Design, leaving the audience enchanted with a blend of timeless and contemporary designs. The event commenced with a graceful lamp-lighting ceremony by the esteemed Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, and a renowned model from the industry.

This year’s fashion walk showcased a harmonious blend of traditional and modern designs, infused with the essence of Indian cinema. The theme of the show was ingeniously divided into five sequences, drawing inspiration from iconic figures such as Princess Diana, the legendary film “Padmavat,” and the iconic Marilyn Monroe.

Models graced the stage with elegance, adorned in both Indian and Christian bridal wear, beautifully interpreting the themed sequences. The depiction of wedding scenes resonated with the audience, capturing the magic of the moments. Prof. S G Babu, Dean of the School of Fashion and Design, described this year’s collection as a fusion of “retro with a touch of modernity.”

Sagar Malhotra, a modeling student, expressed the valuable lessons learned through fashion walks, emphasizing the role of confidence in self-expression and the validation of the designer’s efforts.

The Princess Diana-inspired theme showcased the early days of British royalty, with models adorned in shades of ivory to convey simplicity and grace. Following this, a collection inspired by “Padmavat” brought to life the regal Rajasthani attire and Rajputana vibes, invoking a sense of nostalgia for everyone present.

Closing the show, models took inspiration from the iconic Marilyn Monroe, presenting styles reminiscent of the actress’s glamorous life.

The Fashion Show reached its crescendo with a vote of thanks delivered by Festival President Dr. Sandeep Marwah, who appreciated the remarkable efforts of the fashion students and applauded the mesmerizing display of creativity and talent.

The 16th Global Film Festival Noida concluded on a high note, celebrating the convergence of cinema, fashion, and artistic expression.

oida:  The 16th Global Film Festival at Marwah Studios Noida reached new heights on its third day with a thought-provoking seminar titled “The New Hope of Indian Cinema Noida Film City Part II.” The event brought together eminent personalities from the film industry, trade, and hospitality sectors, fostering discussions on the burgeoning potential of Noida Film City Part II in shaping the future of Indian cinema.

Addressing the audience, Festival President Dr. Sandeep Marwah, who is also the founder of Noida Film City, highlighted the significance of Noida Film City Part II as a catalyst for a new era in Indian cinema. He emphasized that the expansion symbolizes the growing influence of Indian cinema, providing a platform for diverse voices and storytelling.

Dr. Viney Sarikonda, the Brazil & Latin American Countries Trade Commissioner, lauded Noida Film City Part II as a cultural bridge, bringing the vibrancy of Indian cinema to the global stage and fostering international collaborations.

Renowned Director AAFTian Akshay Chaubey expressed optimism about the immense potential of the new facilities at Noida Film City Part II, inspiring the next generation of storytellers. Similarly, Renowned Actor  Shiny Dixit highlighted the bright future for actors, given the state-of-the-art infrastructure available to bring compelling stories to life.

 Pooja Gogia, a prominent figure in the hospitality industry, shared her insights, stating that the evolution of Noida Film City reflects the synergy between entertainment and entrepreneurship, creating opportunities for diverse talents in the industry.

Bhawana Agarwal emphasized the need for the expansion of the film business in India, emphasizing the positive impact on the industry’s growth.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah felicitated all the esteemed guests with festival mementos, and Ms. Pooja Gogia received a Certificate of Excellence in recognition of her outstanding contributions.

The interactive session concluded with a vote of thanks by Festival Director Ashok Tyagi, acknowledging the enriching discussions and insights shared during the seminar.

Noida: The third day of the 16th Global Film Festival witnessed an enlightening workshop on the significance of makeup in cinema, organized by the School of Fashion and Design. Renowned makeup artist Sonali Gupta graced the event, offering students valuable insights into the art of makeup for the silver screen.

Festival President of GFFN, Sandeep Marwah, expressed the crucial role of makeup in cinema, citing its benefits in achieving better visuals, developing authentic characters, and enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

During the interactive session, film delegates  enthusiastically posed questions about the essential considerations before applying makeup to a character. Sonali Gupta emphasized that makeup serves as the character’s second skin, enhancing facial features that may be washed out by multiple lights when in front of the camera.

Highlighting the importance of makeup, Gupta conveyed that it plays a pivotal role in character identification and brings characters to life on screen. The workshop featured a live demonstration, allowing students to grasp the intricacies of makeup application. Gupta delved into the nuances of color corrections in makeup, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the art.

The event was not only informative but also interactive, providing students with a hands-on experience of the makeup application process. Concluding the workshop, a vote of thanks was extended by Harsh Sharma of AAFT, expressing gratitude to Sonali Gupta for sharing her expertise. To commemorate the occasion, a festive memento was presented to Sonali Gupta, acknowledging her contribution to the education and understanding of makeup in the world of cinema.

AAFT at the 16th Global Film Festival Noida continues to be a beacon of knowledge, bringing industry experts and students together to foster learning and excellence in the field of filmmaking.

Noida: A captivating film screening from Romania, “The Father Who Moves Mountains,” took center stage at the 16th Global Film Festival Noida, organized by the Indo-Romanian Forum. The event, supported by the Embassy of Romania, witnessed the presence of Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, who shared his appreciation for Romanian cinema and shed light on the intricacies of inter-cultural affairs.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah also highlighted the various activities initiated by the Indo-Romanian Film and Cultural Forum, established in collaboration with the Embassy of Romania, aimed at fostering relations between the people of India and Romania through the medium of film and culture.

Ambassador of Romania, Ms. Daniella Tane, expressed her admiration for Romanian cinema, describing it as a realistic portrayal of life. She shared her passion for cinema and art, taking the audience on a journey exploring the commonalities between Indian and Romanian cultures based on shared values, folklore, and traditions.

Diplomat of Romania, Mr. Paul Seznov, engaged with the audience by extending greetings in Hindi and introducing the film “The Father Who Moves Mountains.” The film, based on a true story, delves into the profound theme of fatherhood, weaving a compelling saga.

In recognition of the outstanding contribution to cinema and cultural exchange, Dr. Sandeep Marwah presented the prestigious Hindi Samarthak Award to HE Daniella Tane, acknowledging her role in strengthening cultural ties between the two nations. Additionally, the film received the coveted Award of Distinction, underlining its exceptional artistic and narrative merit.

The ceremony celebrated the collaborative spirit between India and Romania, bringing together cinema enthusiasts and cultural aficionados. The Indo-Romanian Forum, through such initiatives, continues to contribute to the global tapestry of cinematic excellence and cross-cultural understanding.

Noida: The third day of the 16th Global Film Festival Noida witnessed an engaging seminar delving into the “Correlation between literature and cinema.” Organized under the guidance of Festival President Dr. Sandeep Marwah, the event celebrated the interwoven narrative between words and images, presenting a symphony of storytelling that resonates across diverse cultures.

During this enlightening session, Festival President Dr. Sandeep Marwah, along with esteemed dignitaries, unveiled the book “The Definitive Biography Talat Mehmood” by Sahar Zaman, adding a significant literary touch to the festival.

Marwah expressed admiration for the cultural tapestry woven by literature and cinema, recognizing it as an art form that transcends linguistic and geographic boundaries. Renowned Actor Abhishek Duhan emphasized the profound connection between acting and literature, stating, “Acting is the art of breathing life into words, and literature provides the script for the cinema of our imagination.”

Renowned Composer and Singer Hriju Roy highlighted the role of music as a bridge connecting literature and cinema, transforming words into lyrical notes that dance through cinematic landscapes. Author Prem Singh Dhingra eloquently described the journey from the written page to the cinematic stage as a beautiful correlation between literature and cinema.

Actor and Singer Aroon Bakshi celebrated the relationship between words and visuals through the lens of cinema, creating a timeless composition. He expressed, “Literature is the mother of Cinema.” Renowned Director Pankaj Parashar described directing as a dialogue between literature and cinema, where every scene speaks the language of words written and images envisioned.

Hon. Consul General of Comoros K L Ganju acknowledged film festivals as bridges where the written word meets the visual narrative, fostering a harmonious connection between literature and cinema. Filmmaker from the USA Mike Berry eloquently stated, “Cinema is the canvas where literature paints its stories in vivid motion, transcending pages to captivate hearts.”

The distinguished guests were felicitated with festival mementos by Dr. Sandeep Marwah. Furthermore, Abhishek Duhan and Rajendra Parsekar were honored with the Hindi Cinema Gaurav Samman, adding another layer of recognition to their contributions. The session concluded on an interactive note, with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Festival Director Ashok Tyagi.

Noida: The 16th Global Film Festival Noida witnessed a momentous occasion as the Cuban film “Cuentos De Un Dia Mas” received the prestigious Award of Distinction during a special screening organized in collaboration with the Indo Cuba Film & Cultural Forum.

The event, which took place on the third day of the festival, commenced with a gracious welcome extended to esteemed guests, followed by a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts, set the tone for the evening by expressing his deep admiration for Cuban films and culture. He highlighted the power of cinema in exploring diverse places and fostering cultural understanding.

H.E Alejandro Simancas Marin, the Ambassador of Cuba, graced the occasion and underscored the profound connection between nations through the medium of cinema. Ambassador Marin shared insightful perspectives on the film “Cuentos De Un Dia Mas,” directed by Fernando Perez. The film, curated during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, offers a poignant glimpse into life in Havana. Director Perez’s vision for the film goes beyond storytelling; he aims to promote Cuban tourism and draw parallels between the Indian and Cuban film industries. Perez also expressed his fondness for Bollywood during the session.

In recognition of his significant contribution to the cinematic landscape and fostering cultural ties, Festival President Dr. Sandeep Marwah presented the Hindi Cinema Samarthak Award to H.E Alejandro Simancas Marin. Additionally, the film “Cuentos De Un Dia Mas” was honored with the Award of Distinction, symbolizing its exceptional artistic and cultural merit.

Renowned Latin American journalist Olivia Rodriguez added glamour to the event with her presence, further enhancing the global appeal of the festival.

The 16th Global Film Festival Noida continues to be a melting pot of cinematic excellence, cultural exchange, and global camaraderie. The recognition bestowed upon “Cuentos De Un Dia Mas” reaffirms its status as a cinematic gem and a testament to the unifying power of storytelling.a

NOIDA: The 16th Global Film Festival, hosted by the School of Performing Arts, culminated its second day with a spectacular Bollywood Musical Nite, leaving the audience spellbound with a melange of electrifying performances.

Festival President, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, took the stage to emphasize the pivotal role of music in people’s lives, stating, “A person who doesn’t love music lacks taste. Music is a vital element that enriches emotions, transforms individuals, and brings happiness, making them stress-free.” The evening unfolded with a mesmerizing showcase of musical talents, both seasoned and budding, underlining the universal language of music.

Renowned playback singer Reema Nathane captivated the audience with a soul-stirring rendition of ‘Duma Dum Mast Kalandar,’ leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of the attendees. Actor and singer Mr. Aroon Bakshi added to the musical extravaganza with an electrifying performance that resonated with the energy of Bollywood.

The students and faculty members of the School of Performing Arts took center stage, delivering phenomenal performances that showcased their exceptional musical prowess. Dr. Sandeep Marwah, acknowledging the outstanding contributions to the world of music, felicitated Playback singer Reema Nathane, Music Composer Hriju Roy, and Pankaj Parashar with festive mementos as a token of appreciation for their invaluable contributions to the industry.

Expressing gratitude for the evening’s success, Festival Director Ashok Tyagi extended a heartfelt vote of thanks, underscoring the collaborative efforts that made the event a resounding triumph.

The Bollywood Musical Nite at the 16th Global Film Festival was a celebration of the diverse and vibrant musical landscape of Bollywood, bringing together seasoned professionals and budding talents in a harmonious symphony of entertainment.

Noida: The 16th Global Film Festival Noida witnessed a thought-provoking seminar on the “Future Prospects of Satellite Channels with the Advent of OTT Channels” on its second day. Festival President Dr. Sandeep Marwah spearheaded the discussion, shedding light on the rapid growth of Over-The-Top (OTT) channels and their profound impact on the younger generation.

The esteemed panelists, including Dr. Elena Remizova from the Russian Culture Centre Mumbai, expressed optimism for stronger ties between India and Russia, drawing parallels with the film “Pathan.” Madhura Naik emphasized the industry’s shift from satellite to OTT platforms, underscoring the convenience and transformative power of technology. Neha Mehta urged the audience to make thoughtful choices in the digital realm while staying connected to their cultural roots.

Zeenat Kureshi motivated young minds to leverage technology for positive change, and Preeti Ghai emphasized the symbiotic relationship between fashion and technology, advising cinema students to glean insights from industry professionals. Actor Radha Bhatt stressed the importance of using creative energy wisely in the age of OTT and social media. PR Guru Suresh Gaur discussed the coexistence of OTT and satellite channels, highlighting their distinct growth prospects.

Renowned personalities, including Fashion Blogger Kavita Arora, Filmmaker & Film Curator Arzat Naaz, Singer Kaka, engaged with an enthusiastic audience, sharing their insightful views on the evolving landscape of entertainment.

A poster launch for the upcoming feature film “I am Hanuman” marked a significant moment, to be produced by the American Indian Producer Trilok Malik.

The seminar concluded with Festival President Dr. Sandeep Marwah presenting festival mementos and Certificates of Excellence to Kavita Arora, Madhura Naik, Zeenat Kureshi, Radha Bhatt, Neha Mehta, and Preeti Ghai for their outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry. Festival Director Ashok Tyagi expressed gratitude through a heartfelt vote of thanks.

The 16th Global Film Festival Noida continues to be a platform for engaging discussions, fostering collaborations, and celebrating the ever-evolving landscape of the film and entertainment industry.

Noida:  The second day of the Global Film Festival Noida 2023 witnessed a captivating workshop at Marwah Studios, featuring the esteemed chief guest and accomplished filmmaker, Ms. Kala Iyer. The workshop provided a deep dive into the intricate process of film production, offering valuable insights and firsthand experiences.

Ms. Kala Iyer, a respected figure in the film industry, actively engaged with the audience, making the workshop an interactive and enriching experience for attendees. The workshop kicked off with an insightful introduction to the various stages of movie production. Ms. Iyer adeptly navigated through the pre-production phase, shedding light on critical aspects such as scriptwriting, casting, and the meticulous planning that precedes the actual filming.

During her presentation, Ms. Iyer highlighted the evolving dynamics of budgeting in the industry, emphasizing that professionals now undertake entire productions with reduced financial resources compared to earlier times. This shift in approach has paved the way for increased creativity and resourcefulness within the filmmaking process.

Moving on to the heart of filmmaking, the production phase was explored in detail. Ms. Iyer provided a comprehensive overview, discussing the on-set collaboration dynamics and the utilization of cutting-edge technology. The audience gained a profound understanding of the concerted effort and coordination required to capture a cinematic masterpiece.

The interactive session with Ms. Kala Iyer proved to be a highlight of the workshop, as students enthusiastically posed questions and received invaluable insights from the seasoned filmmaker. Discussions ranged from industry challenges to creative decision-making, offering attendees a rare glimpse into the world of persevering filmmaking.

The workshop, expertly conducted by Shashank Sharma, left the audience inspired and enlightened, fostering a newfound appreciation for the magic that unfolds behind the scenes of every film. Ms. Kala Iyer’s expertise and engaging presentation style made the event not only educational but also a source of inspiration for aspiring filmmakers.

Noida: On the 2nd day of the 16th Global Film Festival Noida, the spotlight shone on the Vietnamese film “Yellow Flowers on Green Grass,” a poignant portrayal of brotherly love, childhood struggles, and relationships set in a poor countryside village in Vietnam during the 1980s. The film, which was selected as Vietnam’s entry for the best foreign language film at the 89th Academy Awards, received the prestigious Award of Distinction at the festival.

Distinguished guests at the event included Festival President and Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts, Dr. Sandeep Marwah; Political Counsellor at the Embassy of Vietnam, Ms. Huong Tran; Cultural Attaché at the Embassy of Vietnam, Mr. Linh; and Engineer Vikas Tomar.

Festival President Dr. Sandeep Marwah commended the film’s storytelling and screenplay, describing it as a beautiful depiction deserving of recognition. He highlighted the strong ties between India and Vietnam through the Indo-Vietnam Film and Culture Forum of ICMEI, emphasizing the role of cinema in supporting art and culture worldwide.

Ms. Huong Tran, Political Counsellor at the Embassy of Vietnam, praised the Global Film Festival as a platform that provides a significant opportunity to showcase the talent and creativity of Vietnam. She emphasized the unifying power of movies, motivating individuals to come forward and contribute to the world of filmmaking.

During the event, Engineer Vikas Tomar discussed the potential for joint film productions between India and Vietnam. He expressed his willingness to organize a workshop focused on storytelling that encompasses the rich cultural heritage of both nations.

The festival concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where the Award of Distinction and festive mementos were presented to Ms. Huong Tran, Mr. Vikas Tomar, and Mr. Linh, a diplomat from Vietnam. The ceremony celebrated the collaboration and cultural exchange fostered through the medium of cinema.

The 16th Global Film Festival Noida continues to be a global platform that not only recognizes outstanding cinematic achievements but also serves as a bridge for cultural understanding and collaboration between nations.