Month: December 2025

Exhibition of Paintings Inaugurated at 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025 — A Vibrant Celebration of Art and Global Harmony. Noida, India: The Exhibition of Paintings was magnificently inaugurated at the 18th Global Film Festival Noida (GFFN) 2025 at the prestigious Marwah Film City, Noida, adding rich colours and artistic depth to the festival’s grand celebrations. Curated and designed by the talented students of the AAFT School of Fine Arts, the exhibition stood as a powerful reflection of creativity, imagination, and contemporary artistic expression.

The inauguration was honoured by an eminent gathering of international dignitaries, including H.E. Juris Bone, Ambassador of Latvia; H.E. Alberto Antonio, Ambassador of Uruguay; and H.E. Karlito Nunes, Ambassador of Timor-Leste. The occasion was further dignified by the presence of Cdr. K. L. Ganju, Hon. Consul General, Union of Comoros; Ms. Inga Skruzmane, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Latvia; Mr. Faisal Mahmud, Press Minister, High Commission of Bangladesh; Mr. Metsing Ediel Lemphane, Counsellor, High Commission of Lesotho; Ms. Nohely Salinas Gonzalez, 3rd Secretary, Embassy of Panama; Ms. Ediza Marlene Jimenez Moreno, Embassy of Panama; and Mr. Ibrahim Besthawi, Counsellor, Embassy of the State of Palestine.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and Founder of Noida Film City, emphasized the inseparable bond between art and culture. He stated that paintings and the School of Fine Arts have always been an integral part of every major event at Marwah Studios, reflecting the institution’s deep belief in nurturing artistic talent and celebrating creativity across disciplines. “We believe art speaks a universal language. Through these paintings, young artists are expressing emotions, social realities, and global perspectives that connect humanity beyond borders,” he said.

The exhibition received widespread appreciation from diplomats, artists, filmmakers, and visitors alike, who admired the originality, thematic depth, and artistic maturity displayed by the students. The Painting Exhibition emerged as a compelling highlight of the 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to promoting fine arts, encouraging young talent, and strengthening cultural dialogue through the powerful medium of visual art.

Exhibition of Still Photography Inaugurated at 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025. Noida, India: The Exhibition of Still Photography was ceremoniously inaugurated at the 18th Global Film Festival Noida (GFFN) 2025 at the iconic Marwah Film City, Noida, adding a powerful visual dimension to the festival’s vibrant celebrations. The exhibition, conceptualized and designed by the talented students of the AAFT School of Photography, stood as a testimony to creative excellence, youthful vision, and the evolving language of visual storytelling.

The inauguration was graced by an eminent gathering of international dignitaries, including H.E. Juris Bone, Ambassador of Latvia; H.E. Alberto Antonio, Ambassador of Uruguay; and H.E. Karlito Nunes, Ambassador of Timor-Leste. Also present were Cdr. K. L. Ganju, Hon. Consul General, Union of Comoros; Ms. Inga Skruzmane, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Latvia; Mr. Faisal Mahmud, Press Minister, High Commission of Bangladesh; Mr. Metsing Ediel Lemphane, Counsellor, High Commission of Lesotho; Ms. Nohely Salinas Gonzalez, 3rd Secretary, Embassy of Panama; Ms. Ediza Marlene Jimenez Moreno, Embassy of Panama; and Mr. Ibrahim Besthawi, Counsellor, Embassy of the State of Palestine.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder of Noida Film City, Marwah Studios, and President of AAFT, emphasized the timeless power of photography. He stated that photographs are a universal language capable of capturing emotions, documenting history, and bridging cultures without words. He lauded the students of AAFT for presenting compelling visual narratives that reflect social realities, artistic sensitivity, and global perspectives.

The exhibition attracted wide appreciation from diplomats, filmmakers, artists, and visitors, who praised the depth, composition, and storytelling evident in the showcased works. The Still Photography Exhibition emerged as a significant highlight of the 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to nurturing young talent and celebrating the arts as a vital force of cultural expression and international understanding.

18th Global Film Festival Noida Honours International Dignitaries with Festival Mementos at Grand Opening Ceremony. Noida, India: The 18th Global Film Festival Noida (GFFN) opened on a note of international camaraderie and cultural celebration as eminent foreign dignitaries were honoured with Festival Mementos during the grand inaugural function at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City. The gesture symbolized deep appreciation for their continued support in strengthening cultural relations and promoting global harmony through cinema.

The distinguished guests felicitated included Cdr. K. L. Ganju, Hon. Consul General, Union of Comoros; Ms. Inga Skruzmane, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Latvia; Mr. Faisal Mahmud, Press Minister, High Commission of Bangladesh; Mr. Metsing Ediel Lemphane, Counsellor, High Commission of Lesotho; Ms. Nohely Salinas Gonzalez, 3rd Secretary, Embassy of Panama; Ms. Ediza Marlene Jimenez Moreno, Embassy of Panama; and Mr. Ibrahim Besthawi, Counsellor, Embassy of the State of Palestine.

The mementos were presented by Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder of Noida Film City, Marwah Studios, and President of AAFT, an eleven-times World Record holder and a globally respected champion of media, art, and cinema. The honouring ceremony formed a vibrant highlight of the opening celebrations, reflecting the festival’s truly international spirit.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sandeep Marwah stated that the presence of diplomats from diverse nations at the Global Film Festival Noida reinforces the power of cinema as a universal language that unites cultures beyond borders. “GFFN is not merely a film festival; it is a global platform for cultural diplomacy, friendship, and creative exchange. Honouring our international friends is a recognition of their role in building bridges of understanding through art and cinema,” he said.

The felicitation ceremony added colour, dignity, and global resonance to the inauguration of the 18th Global Film Festival Noida, once again establishing it as one of the most dynamic and internationally engaged film festivals in the world.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah Honours Eminent Film Industry Leaders at the 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025. Noida, India: Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the 18th Global Film Festival Noida (GFFN) 2025, honoured and presented the prestigious Festival Memento of the 18th Global Film Festival Noida to distinguished personalities from the Indian film and media fraternity, acknowledging their remarkable contributions to cinema and the creative industries.

The honoured dignitaries included Shri T. P. Agarwal, Patron of the Film Federation of India (FFI), Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) and ICMEI; Shri Abhay Sinha, President of IMPPA and President-Elect of FFI for 2026; Shri Firdausal Hassan, current President of FFI; Shri Nishant Ujjwal, noted Film Producer and Distributor; Shri G. D. Mehta of the Motion Picture Association; and celebrity Chef Ajay Sood, whose creative excellence has also made a strong impact in cinematic and cultural events.

While addressing the gathering, Dr. Sandeep Marwah stated, “The Global Film Festival Noida has crossed all boundaries and milestones. It has now been officially declared the biggest academic film festival in the world, and it already stands proudly as the largest film festival of North India. This achievement reflects the collective vision, commitment, and global support of the film fraternity.”

The ceremony was met with resounding applause and marked a significant highlight of GFFN 2025, reaffirming the festival’s growing international stature and its pivotal role in promoting cinema, education, and cultural exchange on a global platform.

Hindi Cinema Samman National Awards Honouring Global Ambassadors at Global Film Festival Noida. Noida, India: In a powerful celebration of cultural diplomacy and cinematic collaboration, the 9th Hindi Cinema Samman National Awards were conferred upon three distinguished international diplomats for their exceptional contribution to the promotion of Hindi cinema and Indian culture in their respective countries. The prestigious honour was presented to H.E. Juris Bone, Ambassador of Latvia; H.E. Alberto Antonio, Ambassador of Uruguay; and H.E. Karlito Nunes, Ambassador of Timor-Leste, during a grand ceremony held as part of the Global Film Festival Noida.

The awards were presented by Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder of Noida Film City, Marwah Studios, and AAFT University, and an eleven-times World Record holder, widely recognized as one of the strongest global ambassadors of Indian cinema himself. The honours acknowledged the ambassadors’ unwavering support in promoting Hindi cinema within their nations and for their visionary role in establishing and actively promoting the Indo-Latvia Film and Cultural Forum, Indo-Uruguay Film and Cultural Forum, and Indo-Timor-Leste Film and Cultural Forum, respectively—platforms that have significantly strengthened bilateral cultural and cinematic ties.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sandeep Marwah emphasized that Hindi cinema has emerged as a powerful instrument of soft power and international engagement. “When diplomats champion cinema and culture, they build bridges beyond politics—bridges of understanding, creativity, and shared humanity. These awards recognize true friends of Indian cinema who have taken its spirit to the world,” he stated.

The ceremony witnessed enthusiastic appreciation from dignitaries, filmmakers, and cultural leaders present at the festival. Offering the vote of thanks, Mr. Ashok Tyagi, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), applauded the awardees for their remarkable contribution to cultural exchange and lauded Dr. Sandeep Marwah for continuously creating global platforms that unite nations through art, media, and cinema.

The presentation of the 9th Hindi Cinema Samman National Awards stood out as a defining moment of the Global Film Festival Noida, underlining the festival’s commitment to promoting Hindi cinema globally and reinforcing India’s cultural leadership on the international stage.

9th Rashtriya Hindi Cinema Samman Samaroh 2025 Held with Grandeur at Global Film Festival Noida. Noida, India: The 9th Rashtriya Hindi Cinema Samman Samaroh 2025 was celebrated with great pride and distinction during the Global Film Festival Noida, reaffirming its status as the only national-level exclusive award dedicated to the promotion of Hindi Cinema. The prestigious ceremony paid tribute to outstanding individuals whose contributions have significantly enriched Indian cinema and strengthened its cultural influence.

The coveted National Award for the Promotion of Hindi Cinema was presented to eminent personalities including Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, renowned filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, Sunita Govinda Ahuja (wife of popular cine star Govinda), Sakshi Mehra, President of the Motion Pictures Association, popular actor Mukesh Tyagi, and acclaimed film director Tushar Amrish Goel. Their achievements and dedication to Hindi cinema were applauded by an august audience comprising film fraternity members, diplomats, academicians, and media professionals.

The awards were conferred by Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder of the Global Film Festival Noida, President of Marwah Studios, an eleven-times World Record holder, and one of the most influential promoters of Hindi cinema globally. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Marwah emphasized the vital role of Hindi cinema in preserving India’s cultural identity and promoting the nation’s creative excellence worldwide. He also highlighted that the Rashtriya Hindi Cinema Samman Samaroh was instituted to recognize consistent, meaningful, and impactful contributions to the growth and global reach of Hindi films.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, who also serves as Advisor to several Ministries of the Government of India, stated that Hindi cinema is a powerful medium of communication and cultural diplomacy. “Through this platform, we honour those visionaries who have devoted their lives to strengthening Hindi cinema and taking its message to every corner of the world,” he said.

The 9th Rashtriya Hindi Cinema Samman Samaroh 2025 added yet another distinguished chapter to the Global Film Festival Noida, celebrating excellence, commitment, and the enduring legacy of Hindi cinema on a truly national and international stage. Film Director and Secretary General ICMEI Ashok Tyagi introduced the awardees to the audience.

Poster of CINEKIND Award Launched at the Grand Inauguration of 18th Global Film Festival Noida. Noida, India: A significant and inspiring moment marked the grand opening of the 18th Global Film Festival Noida as the poster of the newly constituted award CINEKIND was officially unveiled on the inaugural stage at Marwah Film City, Noida. The launch highlighted the festival’s commitment to promoting meaningful cinema and social responsibility within the film industry.

The prestigious poster launch was carried out by an eminent gathering of dignitaries from the film fraternity, including Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios, renowned filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, Sunita Govind Ahuja, T. P. Aggarwal, Patron of the Film Federation of India, IMPPA and ICMEI, Abhay Sinha, President of IMPPA and President-Elect of FFI (2026), Firdausul Hasan, current President of FFI, Sakshi Mehra, President of the Motion Pictures Association, acclaimed film director Tushar Amrish Goel (The Taj Story), and well-known actor Mukesh Tyagi.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah stated that the CINEKIND Award has been instituted to recognize films and filmmakers who use the powerful medium of cinema to promote compassion, humanity, social awareness, and positive change. He emphasized that cinema has the responsibility to influence society constructively, and CINEKIND will serve as a platform to honor such impactful storytelling.

Addressing the audience, Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi appreciated the initiative and lauded the Global Film Festival Noida for introducing an award that aligns creativity with conscience. She noted that cinema has immense power to shape mindsets and inspire empathy, and initiatives like CINEKIND encourage filmmakers to create content that contributes meaningfully to society.

The launch of the CINEKIND Award added a strong ethical and visionary dimension to the inaugural ceremony, reinforcing GFFN’s role as a festival that celebrates cinema with purpose, responsibility, and global relevance.

Lesotho Cuisine Adds African Flavour to International Food Festival at 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025. Noida, India: The distinctive and wholesome flavours of the Kingdom of Lesotho were elegantly presented at the International Food Festival organised during the 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025, creating a memorable cultural experience for national and international guests. The Lesotho cuisine pavilion was thoughtfully designed and curated by the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, reflecting the country’s rich food traditions and cultural identity.

The pavilion was formally inaugurated by Mr. Metsing Edsel Lemphane, Counsellor, High Commission of the Kingdom of Lesotho, who appreciated the initiative for highlighting African culinary heritage on a global platform. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President, Marwah Studios, stated that food festivals play a powerful role in cultural diplomacy, bringing nations closer by celebrating their traditions, stories, and values through taste and presentation.

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Metsing Edsel Lemphane applauded AAFT and the Global Film Festival Noida for creating a prestigious international platform where countries like Lesotho can share their cultural richness with the world. He emphasized that such exchanges strengthen bilateral relations and foster deeper understanding between nations. The Lesotho cuisine showcase received warm appreciation from visitors and stood out as a symbol of global harmony and cultural unity at GFFN 2025.

Bangladesh Cuisine Steals the Spotlight at International Food Festival during 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025. Noida, India: The rich and diverse flavors of Bangladesh beautifully showcased at the International Food Festival. Such as held during the 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025, adding a vibrant culinary dimension to the globally celebrated event. The Bangladesh food pavilion was creatively conceptualized and presented by the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism. Hence offering visitors an authentic taste of Bangladeshi heritage through traditional dishes and elegant presentation.

The pavilion formally inaugurated by Mr. Faisal Mahmud, Minister (Press), High Commission of Bangladesh. Who appreciated the initiative for promoting cultural understanding through cuisine. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of AAFT and Founder of the Global Film Festival Noida, said that food is one of the strongest mediums of cultural diplomacy, connecting nations beyond language and geography, and lauded Bangladesh for its rich culinary traditions.

Expressing his delight, Mr. Faisal Mahmud congratulated AAFT for curating an impressive and authentic representation of Bangladeshi cuisine, stating that such platforms play a vital role in strengthening people-to-people relations and celebrating shared cultural values. The Bangladesh presentation emerged as a major attraction at the festival, reinforcing the spirit of global unity and cultural exchange that defines GFFN 2025.

Uruguayan Cuisine Featured at International Food Festival during GFFN 2025. Noida, India: The vibrant flavors and rich culinary traditions of Uruguay were showcased with great elegance at the International Food Festival organized during the 18th Global Film Festival Noida (GFFN) 2025 at the prestigious Marwah Film City, Noida. The Uruguay-themed culinary presentation was conceptualized and designed by the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, adding a unique Latin American taste to the global gastronomic celebration.

The Uruguayan cuisine pavilion was formally inaugurated by H.E. Alberto A. Guani, Ambassador of Uruguay to India, in the presence of filmmakers, diplomats, international delegates, students, and media professionals attending the festival.

Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Alberto A. Guani expressed his appreciation for the authentic presentation of Uruguayan cuisine and thanked the Global Film Festival Noida and AAFT for providing such a meaningful platform to promote cultural exchange. He emphasized that food, like cinema, is a universal language that brings people together, and initiatives such as the International Food Festival help strengthen cultural understanding and friendship between Uruguay and India.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder of Noida Film City, President of GFFN, and Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts, said that the International Food Festival is an integral part of the Global Film Festival Noida, designed to celebrate the diversity of world cultures. He highlighted the efforts of the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism in authentically representing global cuisines and providing students with valuable international exposure. Dr. Marwah added that showcasing Uruguayan cuisine further reinforces the festival’s mission of promoting global harmony through art, culture, education, and cuisine.

The International Food Festival at GFFN 2025 once again emerged as a lively and engaging platform where the world comes together, enriching the overall festival experience and strengthening the bonds between nations through shared cultural celebrations.

Timor-Leste Cuisine Highlighted at International Food Festival during GFFN 2025. Noida, India: The distinctive and flavorful cuisine of Timor-Leste was elegantly showcased at the International Food Festival held during the 18th Global Film Festival Noida (GFFN) 2025 at Marwah Film City, Noida. The culinary presentation was designed and executed by the students of the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, reflecting both authenticity and youthful creativity.

The Timor-Leste cuisine pavilion was formally inaugurated by H.E. Karlito Nunes, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to India, in the presence of filmmakers, diplomats, academicians, students, and international delegates attending the festival.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder of Noida Film City, President of GFFN, and Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts, said that food is a powerful medium of cultural expression and plays a vital role in strengthening international friendship. He added that the International Food Festival at GFFN has become an important platform for showcasing the culinary heritage of different nations while providing hands-on global exposure to AAFT students. Dr. Marwah appreciated the dedication and professionalism of the hospitality students in presenting the culture of Timor-Leste with great sensitivity and respect.

Addressing the gathering, H.E. Karlito Nunes expressed his happiness and pride in seeing the cuisine of Timor-Leste presented at such a prestigious international event. He praised AAFT and the Global Film Festival Noida for promoting cultural diplomacy through innovative platforms like the International Food Festival and stated that such initiatives help bring nations closer by celebrating their traditions and shared values.

The International Food Festival at GFFN 2025 continues to be a vibrant celebration of global unity, where cinema, culture, education, and cuisine come together, further enhancing the international stature of the Global Film Festival Noida.

Comorian Cuisine Showcased at International Food Festival during 18th GFFN 2025. Noida, India: The rich and exotic flavors of the Republic of the Union of the Comoros were proudly. Presented at the International Food Festival held during the 18th Global Film Festival Noida (GFFN) 2025 at the iconic Marwah Film City, Noida. The Comoros-themed culinary presentation was specially designed and curated by the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, adding a delicious dimension to the festival’s celebration of global culture.

The Comoros cuisine pavilion was formally inaugurated by Mr. K. L. Ganju, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of the Union of the Comoros, in the distinguished presence of filmmakers, diplomats, students, and international guests attending the festival.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder of Noida Film City, President of GFFN, and Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts, emphasized that food is an integral part of cultural identity. He stated that the International Food Festival is designed to promote global harmony by introducing the tastes, traditions, and culinary heritage of different nations to thousands of visitors from India and abroad. Dr. Marwah appreciated the efforts of the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism for authentically presenting Comorian cuisine and strengthening cultural relations through gastronomy.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. K. L. Ganju expressed his delight at seeing the culinary heritage of Comoros showcased at such a prestigious international platform. He lauded AAFT and the Global Film Festival Noida for their commitment to promoting cultural diplomacy and people-to-people connections, stating that initiatives like the International Food Festival help deepen understanding and friendship between nations. The International Food Festival at GFFN 2025 once again proved to be a vibrant meeting point of cinema, culture, and cuisine, offering guests a truly global experience and reinforcing the festival’s spirit of international unity and celebration.