Month: April 2025

New Delhi, April 18, 2025: Renowned media personality and educationist Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor of AAFT University and President of Marwah Studios, delivered a powerful keynote address on Women Empowerment at the prestigious Bharat Dialogue held at the India International Centre, New Delhi.

Dr. Marwah, known globally for his contributions to media, art, and education, emphasized the crucial role of women in nation-building and the need for inclusive growth. “Empowering women is not just a matter of equity, but a catalyst for overall societal progress. True development cannot happen without equal participation of women in all sectors,” he stated during his speech, receiving a positive response from the audience.

The event brought together thought leaders, policymakers, academicians, and social activists to discuss contemporary issues shaping India’s future. Following the keynote, a special ceremony was held to honor several prominent women who have made exceptional contributions in various fields, including education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and social service.

The event served as a platform to celebrate women’s achievements and advocate for stronger support systems to enable their continued growth and leadership. The Bharat Dialogue continues to be a beacon for meaningful conversations and actionable ideas aimed at building a progressive and inclusive India.

Noida, India – April 2025:The 13th Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC Noida 2025 proudly featured the poignant and artistically profound Russian documentary From Russia With Heart, directed by the talented Ekaterina Kitaytseva. The film was met with great appreciation by an international audience for its emotional depth, artistic direction, and its message of compassion and cultural warmth.

From Russia With Heart offers a touching and humanistic view of Russian society, exploring themes of community, resilience, and shared humanity. Through evocative storytelling and intimate cinematography, the film captures the spirit of the Russian people and their enduring values, transcending borders and fostering cross-cultural empathy.

The screening took place in a vibrant and intellectually charged atmosphere at the festival, drawing guests from the media, diplomatic circles, academic institutions, and the general public. Viewers praised the film’s ability to connect emotionally while offering a nuanced look at Russian culture and life.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the Festival and Chair for the Indo-Russia Film and Cultural Forum, spoke passionately about the historical and cultural bonds between India and Russia.
“Our countries have shared a rich and enduring relationship based on mutual respect, cooperation, and cultural exchange. This documentary beautifully reflects the soul of Russia and its people—it is cinema at its most meaningful,” said Dr. Marwah. In a show of support, the Director of the Russian Cultural Centre in New Delhi sent her heartfelt best wishes to the organizers and commended the inclusion of Russian content in such a prestigious international platform. She expressed confidence that such collaborations would deepen artistic and cultural connections between the two nations.

In recognition of its artistic merit, emotional resonance, and cinematic excellence, the festival proudly conferred the Award of Distinction on From Russia With Heart. The award will be formally delivered to Director Ekaterina Kitaytseva through the Russian Cultural Centre, honoring her for creating a work that not only represents the artistic spirit of Russia but also touches universal human values. The event reaffirmed the festival’s commitment to celebrating diverse voices and fostering global unity through journalism, animation, and cinematic arts.

Noida, India – April 2025: The 13th Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC Noida 2025 continued its tradition of showcasing global excellence in documentary filmmaking with the screening of the Spanish documentary Rioja: La Tierra De Los Mil Vinos (Rioja: The Land of a Thousand Wines), directed by internationally acclaimed filmmaker José Luis López-Linares.

This visually rich and intellectually engaging documentary transports viewers to the heart of Spain’s famed Rioja region, renowned for its centuries-old wine-making heritage. Through stunning visuals, in-depth interviews, and a beautifully narrated historical journey, the film explores the deep cultural, social, and economic significance of Rioja’s wine industry—not just as a beverage, but as a living symbol of Spanish identity.

The screening was met with enthusiasm from a packed audience of film lovers, journalists, cultural ambassadors, and media students. The documentary struck a chord with viewers for its elegant storytelling and its celebration of Spanish tradition, craftsmanship, and sustainability in agriculture.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Festival President and Chair for the Indo-Spain Film and Cultural Forum, spoke before the screening and emphasized the long-standing and friendly relations between India and Spain. He highlighted how such documentaries serve as an artistic bridge between nations, enabling people to appreciate each other’s cultures, heritage, and values.
“Cinema is a powerful tool of diplomacy,” Dr. Marwah remarked. “This film is not only a tribute to Spain’s exquisite wine culture but also a testament to the deep-rooted human connection to land, labor, and legacy.”

The Ambassador of Spain to India conveyed his heartfelt best wishes on the occasion of the screening and applauded the platform for recognizing and celebrating Spanish cinema on an international stage. In recognition of its artistic merit, cultural significance, and technical excellence, the festival proudly presented an Award of Distinction to Rioja: La Tierra De Los Mil Vinos. The award has been formally conveyed to be presented to Director José Luis López-Linares through the Spanish Embassy. The inclusion of this documentary not only enriched the festival’s global flavor but also reaffirmed its mission to promote cultural exchange through compelling storytelling from across the world.

Noida, India – April 2025: The emotionally stirring Palestinian documentary Another Nakba, directed by Drabi Alsawalma, was prominently featured at the 13th Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC Noida 2025, shedding light on critical issues through the powerful medium of film.

The documentary provided a compelling narrative on historical and contemporary struggles, capturing the attention of a deeply engaged audience. Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Festival President and Chair for the Indo-Palestine Film and Cultural Forum, spoke at the occasion, highlighting the long-standing relationship between India and Palestine. He emphasized the role of documentary cinema in raising awareness, building empathy, and fostering global dialogue.

In recognition of its impactful storytelling and cinematic excellence, the festival conferred the Award of Distinction on Another Nakba. The award honors the film’s ability to give voice to important stories and contribute meaningfully to the global conversation. This recognition underscores the festival’s commitment to celebrating diverse perspectives and promoting cross-cultural understanding through the art of filmmaking.

Noida, India – April 2025: The powerful Venezuelan documentary The Wonderful Agave Cocui, directed by Héctor Puche, was showcased as a highlight of the 13th Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC Noida 2025, bringing attention to the rich cultural heritage and natural marvels of Venezuela.

The film captivated audiences with its vivid storytelling and in-depth exploration of Agave Cocui—an ancient and revered plant integral to Venezuelan tradition and sustainability. Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Festival President and Chair for the Indo-Venezuela Film and Cultural Forum, addressed the gathering before the screening. He spoke warmly about the growing relationship between India and Venezuela, emphasizing the vital role that cinema and cultural exchanges play in building global understanding.

The Ambassador of Venezuela extended best wishes for the festival and the screening of the documentary, underlining the importance of such platforms in celebrating shared human experiences. In recognition of its outstanding cinematic achievement and cultural significance, the festival proudly presented an Award of Distinction to The Wonderful Agave Cocui. The honor will be formally conveyed to Director Héctor Puche through the Embassy of Venezuela.

The event highlighted the spirit of international collaboration and the unifying power of storytelling through film.

Two captivating animated films from Uzbekistan captured hearts and applause at the 13th Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC Noida 2025, showcasing the rich storytelling tradition and evolving animation industry of Central Asia.

The featured films, Legends of the Great Silk Road and Tomiris, both directed by acclaimed filmmaker Aboulatif Khaydarov, were screened to a full house of enthusiastic cinephiles. These animations reflect the cultural depth and historical richness of Uzbekistan, brought vividly to life through high-quality animation and engaging narratives.

Prior to the screenings, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the International Journalism Centre and Chair of the Indo-Uzbekistan Film and Cultural Forum, addressed the audience, highlighting the growth and potential of the animation industry. He commended the Embassy of Uzbekistan for their efforts in promoting cultural exchange through cinema.

The Ambassador of Uzbekistan sent his best wishes for the success of the festival and extended support for continued collaboration in the arts and media sectors. In recognition of its outstanding storytelling and artistic excellence, the festival conferred the Award of Distinction on Legends of the Great Silk Road. The award has been formally sent to the Embassy of Uzbekistan to be presented to Director Aboulatif Khaydarov.

The screenings were a resounding success and contributed to strengthening the creative bonds between India and Uzbekistan, while celebrating the power of animated storytelling.

Noida, April 2025: The Asian Academy of Film & Television (AAFT), recognized as India’s oldest and most prestigious institution for skill development in creative arts, has proudly launched its 124th batch of trainees, reaffirming its legacy and leadership in practical education.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor of AAFT, inaugurated a high-powered Camera Workshop for students of Cinematography and the School of Cinema. Addressing the students, he stated: “Skills are the currency of the future. The more you invest in them, the more valuable you become. It is important to not only learn the operation of a camera but to master its creative use to carve a niche in the industry.”

Dr. Marwah further highlighted the significance of the occasion: “With this new batch, we are setting yet another World Record, being the only institution globally to conduct the 124th batch of creative courses. This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in skill development.”

As a pioneer in hands-on learning, AAFT continues to provide students with real-world experiences, cutting-edge workshops, and a nurturing environment. The institution encourages every student to make the most of its robust practical training policy and to emerge as industry-ready professionals.

Noida, April 2025: Apna School, an initiative dedicated to providing quality education to underprivileged children, proudly inaugurated its 14th branch, marking another milestone in its journey of educational empowerment. To celebrate this achievement, students led by Principal Ms. Ritu Sinha visited Marwah Studios for a creative arts workshop. The event offered children a unique opportunity to participate in radio and television programs, and experience the magic of cinema through a special screening. These interactive activities aimed to enrich the students culturally and creatively.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios, shared the inspiring journey of Apna School: “We started this initiative years ago with just 8 children from the slums of Noida. Today, we proudly educate over 800 students across 14 schools. Our goal is to provide not just education, but also a nurturing and creative environment that helps shape responsible and confident individuals.”

Ms. Sinha emphasized the importance of exposure beyond academics: “Workshops like these open doors for our students to dream bigger and see the world beyond their everyday surroundings. We are grateful to Marwah Studios for their continued support.” Apna School continues to make a significant impact by combining quality education with real-world experiences, preparing its students for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Noida, India – The 13th Global Festival of Journalism, held in association with AVGC Noida 2025, proudly hosted the screening of the moving Cuban documentary “Sacha: A Child from Chernobyl”, directed by Roberto Chile and Maribel Acosta Damas. The screening was part of the festival’s continued emphasis on global narratives and was organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Cuba.

The thought-provoking documentary, which delves into the human and emotional aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster through the eyes of a child named Sacha, resonated deeply with the audience. The film highlights the compassion, international solidarity, and humanitarian response following one of history’s most devastating nuclear incidents.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the Festival and Chair of the Indo-Cuba Film and Cultural Forum, addressed the attendees and emphasized the strong cultural and emotional ties between India and Cuba. He noted, “Films like Sacha not only tell a story — they remind us of the power of humanity and the importance of compassion across borders. India and Cuba share a deep respect for cultural exchange, and platforms like this celebrate that spirit.”

In recognition of the film’s excellence and social impact, a Certificate of Distinction was announced and later formally presented to the Ambassador of Cuba at his office. The certificate will be sent to the directors as a symbol of appreciation and admiration from the Indian film and journalism community.

The screening of “Sacha: A Child from Chernobyl” was a significant moment in this year’s festival, reinforcing the commitment of the Global Festival of Journalism to showcase stories that inspire empathy and awareness on a global scale.

Noida, India – The 13th Global Festival of Journalism, in conjunction with AVGC Noida 2025, proudly featured the special screening of the acclaimed Portuguese documentary “Another Country”, directed by Sergio Trefaut. The screening was held in collaboration with the Embassy of Portugal, drawing a full house and sparking thoughtful engagement among the audience.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the Festival and Chair for the Indo-Portugal Film and Cultural Forum, addressed the gathering and emphasized the role of cinema in building international bridges and promoting cultural understanding. He applauded the film for its poignant narrative and artistic value.

In recognition of its excellence, a Certificate of Distinction was announced for “Another Country”. The certificate was formally presented to the Embassy of Portugal to be conveyed to Director Sergio Trefaut as a mark of appreciation and respect from the festival.

Noida, India – The 13th Global Festival of Journalism came to a grand conclusion with a stunning fashion show presented by the AAFT School of Fashion and Design. The final event of the three-day international festival left audiences mesmerized, showcasing the creativity and talent of AAFT’s budding designers.

The show featured vibrant collections that fused tradition with contemporary flair, impressing attendees with their innovation and professional-level execution. The event received accolades from distinguished guests and dignitaries present at the festival.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the 13th Global Festival of Journalism, spoke highly of the AAFT School of Fashion and Design, applauding the creativity and professionalism showcased by the students. He emphasized the importance of integrating art and journalism through such vibrant platforms. Dr. Marwah also extended heartfelt thanks to all participants, faculty, and guests who contributed to the success of the festival.

Dr. Parin Somani from London praised the fashion show, stating, “Amazing, so beautifully carved — better than professional shows.” Social worker Indrajeet Sharma from New York also appreciated the efforts of the students, noting the high standards of creativity and presentation.

Grigorii Pelman from Israel shared his admiration for the show, while noted dress designer Malika Mehan, AAFT alumnus Rashid Hashmi, and Dr. Utsav Krishan Murari were also present, lending their support and encouragement to the young talent.

Kunwar Ajeet Singh and Shailendra Singh Vaish added to the event’s prestige with their presence and words of appreciation.

The fashion show not only marked a celebratory end to the festival but also highlighted the exceptional training and mentorship provided at AAFT School of Fashion and Design, reaffirming its place as a leading institution in creative education.