Dr. Sandeep Marwah Speaks at Length on Documentary Cinema at 14th International Documentary Film Festival Noida 2026

Dr. Sandeep Marwah Speaks at Length on Documentary Cinema at 14th International Documentary Film Festival Noida 2026

Noida, India: Addressing a large gathering of filmmakers, media professionals, academicians, documentary enthusiasts, and international delegates at the 14th International Documentary Film Festival Noida 2026, held at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the Festival, delivered an insightful address on the evolution, significance, and growing global importance of documentary filmmaking.

Tracing the journey of documentary education at AAFT, Dr. Marwah explained that documentary filmmaking has been an integral part of the institution since its inception in 1993. With the establishment of the degree college in 2003 and the creation of the AAFT School of Mass Communication and Journalism, greater emphasis was placed on documentary production, research, and practical training. Documentary filmmaking subsequently became an important component of the academic curriculum.

“Since 1993, we have believed that documentary filmmaking is an essential part of media education. At AAFT, we have always encouraged students to observe society, research real-life stories, understand human experiences, and communicate meaningful messages through the medium of cinema,” said Dr. Marwah.

Sharing the history of documentary broadcasting in India, he recalled the significant contribution of Doordarshan, which created special late-night programming slots for documentaries and provided an important platform for documentary filmmakers. These dedicated slots helped audiences appreciate factual storytelling and understand the power of non-fiction cinema.

He further observed that the popularity of documentary films received a major boost with the emergence of dedicated television channels such as Discovery Channel, which brought documentaries into mainstream viewing and introduced audiences to wildlife, science, history, geography, technology, and diverse cultures from across the world.

Dr. Marwah also explained the motivation behind establishing the International Documentary Film Festival Noida in 2012. The festival was conceived to provide a dedicated international platform to documentary filmmakers, encourage young talent, recognise professional excellence, and create greater awareness about the documentary genre.

“Documentaries are not merely films; they are powerful instruments of knowledge, awareness, education, research, and social change. They preserve history, document realities, inspire generations, and bring important stories to the world. We must encourage more filmmakers to explore this genre and provide them with platforms for international recognition and wider distribution,” he added.

He emphasised that with the growth of digital platforms, OTT services, international broadcasting, and new technologies, documentary filmmaking has entered an exciting new era, offering unprecedented opportunities to creative professionals.

The 14th International Documentary Film Festival Noida 2026, with participation from India and abroad, continued the tradition of Marwah Studios of promoting meaningful cinema, nurturing emerging filmmakers, and strengthening international cooperation through art and culture.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah reiterated that AAFT and Marwah Studios will continue to support documentary filmmakers and encourage the creation of films that educate, enlighten, inspire, and connect humanity.

14th International Documentary Film Festival Noida Celebrated in Grand Style at Marwah Studios

14th International Documentary Film Festival Noida Celebrated in Grand Style at Marwah Studios

Noida, India: The 14th International Documentary Film Festival Noida (IDFFN) was celebrated with great enthusiasm and international participation at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City, bringing together distinguished cultural diplomats, filmmakers, writers, authors, cinematographers, media professionals, and documentary film enthusiasts from India and abroad.

The festival was inaugurated by Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the Festival and President of Marwah Studios, in the august presence of distinguished guests, including Dr. Sneh Thakore, renowned writer and author from Canada; Dr. Faridoddin Faridasr, Cultural Counsellor, Iran Culture Centre; Michael A. P. Director, Austrian Culture Forum; Erny Wahyuni, First Secretary, Embassy of Indonesia; Sidhaarrth S. Nayyar, renowned filmmaker; and Sanjay Dattani, eminent cinematographer.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sandeep Marwah highlighted the remarkable journey of the International Documentary Film Festival and the growing importance of documentary filmmaking in India and across the world. He spoke about the evolution of the documentary film industry, its expanding international market, and the tremendous opportunities available to filmmakers in the changing media landscape.

“Documentary films are the mirror of society. They preserve history, capture realities, highlight untold stories, promote cultures, and create awareness about issues that matter to humanity. They are among the most powerful instruments of communication, education, and social transformation. We must encourage documentary filmmakers because their work not only informs the present generation but also creates a valuable legacy for generations to come,” said Dr. Marwah.

He further emphasised that documentary filmmaking deserves greater recognition, institutional support, international collaboration, and wider distribution opportunities. He reiterated that Marwah Studios remains committed to providing a global platform to emerging and established documentary filmmakers.

The distinguished international guests shared their experiences and perspectives on documentary filmmaking, appreciating the importance of festivals of this nature in encouraging creative expression, cultural exchange, and meaningful international dialogue. They stressed that documentaries play a vital role in connecting nations, presenting diverse viewpoints, and bringing important human stories to the forefront.

The festival witnessed an impressive response, with 150 documentary films received from India and abroad in the competition section. Following the evaluation process, 23 professional documentary films were honoured with awards and cash prizes across different categories. In a special initiative to encourage young talent, 11 student documentary films were also recognised and appreciated with Festival Certificates.

The awards celebrated the creativity, research, technical excellence, storytelling abilities, and social relevance demonstrated by documentary filmmakers. The recognition of student filmmakers further reflected the festival’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative professionals.

Sushil Bharti, Festival Director, proposed the formal vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, participating filmmakers, jury members, and all those who contributed to the successful organisation of the festival.

As a mark of respect and appreciation, Dr. Sandeep Marwah presented festival mementoes to all the distinguished dignitaries.

The 14th International Documentary Film Festival Noida once again reaffirmed Marwah Studios’ commitment to promoting meaningful cinema, supporting documentary filmmakers, encouraging young creative talent, and strengthening international cultural relations through the power of films.

The festival concluded as a celebration of truth, creativity, knowledge, and the universal language of documentary cinema.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah Inaugurates Indian School Leadership Summit and National University Leadership & Policy Conclave 2026 at India International Centre

Dr. Sandeep Marwah Inaugurates Indian School Leadership Summit and National University Leadership & Policy Conclave 2026 at India International Centre

New Delhi: Dr. Sandeep Marwah, renowned educationist, media personality, and President of Marwah Studios and Asian Education Group, inaugurated the Indian School Leadership Summit and National University Leadership & Policy Conclave 2026 at the prestigious India International Centre, New Delhi.

The event, designed and conceptualised by Peeyush Pandit, brought together eminent educationists, school leaders, university administrators, academicians, and policymakers from across India to deliberate on the future of education, institutional leadership, innovation, and policy development.

Addressing the distinguished gathering, Dr. Sandeep Marwah emphasised that education is the most powerful instrument for transforming society and building a progressive nation. He said, “The future of India depends on the quality of education we provide to our young generation. Educational institutions must go beyond traditional teaching and focus on creativity, innovation, skill development, practical learning, and character building. Strong leadership, visionary policies, and meaningful collaboration between schools, universities, and industries are essential to prepare our students for global opportunities.”

He further highlighted the importance of integrating media, technology, arts, culture, and professional skills into the education system, stressing that education must transform individual passion into professional excellence.

On the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah also presented awards to distinguished teachers in recognition of their outstanding contributions, dedicated service, and successful performance in the field of education. He congratulated the awardees for their commitment to shaping young minds and strengthening the foundation of the nation.

The summit served as an important platform for recognising excellence in education, exchanging innovative ideas, and encouraging stronger leadership across India’s school and university education systems.

Dr. Marwah appreciated the initiative and congratulated Peeyush Pandit and the organising team for bringing together education leaders from across the country on one platform.