ICMEI Congratulates Guatemala on Its National Day Celebration
New Delhi, 28th September 2025: The International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI) extended its warmest congratulations to H.E. Omar Castañeda Solares, Ambassador of Guatemala to India, and to the people of Guatemala on the joyous occasion of their National Day, celebrated at Hotel Grand, New Delhi.
On behalf of the Indo Guatemala Film and Cultural Forum, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and ICMEI, conveyed his greetings and appreciation. He said, “India and Guatemala share a deep cultural affinity, and through art, cinema, and cultural exchange, we aim to further strengthen our bonds. ICMEI is proud to be a partner in this journey of friendship and cooperation.”
The event highlighted the growing diplomatic, cultural, and artistic ties between India and Guatemala, reaffirming ICMEI’s commitment to fostering stronger relations through the power of media and culture.
ICMEI Celebrates Independence Day of Guatemala with Renewed Cultural Commitment
Noida: 15th September 2025: The International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), in collaboration with AAFT University of Media and Arts, proudly celebrated the Independence Day of the Republic of Guatemala at Marwah Studios, Film City Noida, reaffirming its strong commitment to cultural diplomacy and international cooperation.
Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of ICMEI and Chancellor of AAFT University, extended his warm congratulations to H.E. Mr. Omar Lisandro Castañeda Solares, Ambassador of Guatemala to India, and to the people of Guatemala on the joyous occasion of their National Day, observed every year on 15th September.
“India and Guatemala have built a solid foundation of friendship and mutual respect. Our ties are growing stronger every year through cultural, educational, and diplomatic exchanges,” said Dr. Marwah during the event. “We are proud to celebrate Guatemala’s independence and to acknowledge the remarkable relationship shared by our two nations.”
A special mention was made of the Indo–Guatemala Film and Cultural Forum, which has emerged as a vital partner in strengthening people-to-people connections between the two countries. The Forum has actively collaborated with ICMEI in all its major international events, including: Global Literary Festival, Global Fashion Week, Global Film Festival and Global Festival of Journalism.
These platforms have helped foster mutual understanding, promote artistic expression, and encourage exchange between students, filmmakers, writers, journalists, and fashion professionals from both countries.
The celebration featured engaging conversations about India–Guatemala relations, shared democratic values, and the role of culture and media in building lasting international partnerships. Dignitaries, students, media representatives, and cultural enthusiasts were present to witness the symbolic importance of this occasion.
Looking ahead, ICMEI and the Indo–Guatemala Film and Cultural Forum plan to expand their scope of collaboration through: Joint film productions, Cultural exchange programs, Student and faculty mobility and Participation in literary, fashion, and media festivals.
The celebration concluded with a mutual pledge to further enhance bilateral cultural ties and to continue using art and media as powerful tools for unity and international understanding.
India and Guatemala to Deepen Cultural Ties Through Indo-Guatemala Film and Cultural Forum
New Delhi, August 2, 2025: In a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations through cultural diplomacy, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), held an engaging discussion with H.E. Omar Castañeda Solares, Ambassador of Guatemala to India. The conversation focused on expanding the initiatives of the Indo-Guatemala Film and Cultural Forum to create greater cultural exchange and artistic collaboration between the two nations.
Dr. Sandeep Marwah emphasized the importance of using art, cinema, and education as powerful tools to bring countries closer. “Culture is a universal language, and through this forum, we aim to deepen our understanding, appreciation, and engagement with Guatemala. We look forward to more collaborative film projects, cultural events, and academic programs that will strengthen the bond between our peoples,” said Dr. Marwah.
Ambassador Omar Castañeda Solares expressed his keen interest in advancing the relationship through the creative industries. “Guatemala values the efforts of ICMEI and Dr. Marwah in promoting international cultural ties. The Indo-Guatemala Film and Cultural Forum is a wonderful platform to showcase our traditions, stories, and artistic spirit to the Indian audience. We are enthusiastic about the possibilities ahead,” he stated.
The meeting concluded with mutual agreement to enhance participation in festivals, student exchanges, and joint productions, reaffirming the commitment to building a strong cultural bridge between India and Guatemala.
Sandeep Marwah Appreciated for Eight Years of Service to Guatemala
New Delhi – The Indo-Guatemala Film and Cultural Forum, established in 2016, celebrated its eighth anniversary with a special ceremony at the Embassy of Guatemala in New Delhi. The event recognized the Forum’s significant contributions to promoting Guatemalan art and culture in India, with Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), receiving a certificate of appreciation from H.E. Mr. Omar Castañeda Solares, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Guatemala to India.
The Indo-Guatemala Cultural Forum was inaugurated with great pomp and show at Marwah Studios in Noida Film City by H.E. George de La Roche Du Ronzet, then Ambassador of Guatemala to India, and renowned Indian film producer Boney Kapoor. This historic event marked the establishment of the first cultural organization dedicated to promoting Guatemalan art in India.
“Since its inception, we have put a lot of energy into building a very strong relationship between the two countries,” said Dr. Sandeep Marwah. “Indo-Guatemala has been a part of every major international event we organize, including the Global Film Festival Noida, Global Festival of Journalism Noida, Global Literary Festival Noida, Global Fashion and Design Week Noida, International Festival of Cellphone Cinema, and the International Documentary Film Festival.”
Guatemala has actively participated in all international conventions organized by ICMEI, further strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations. The Festival of Films from Guatemala, a highlight event, has been a resounding success, showcasing the rich cinematic heritage of Guatemala.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Omar Castañeda Solares presented Dr. Sandeep Marwah with a certificate of appreciation, acknowledging his untiring efforts to promote Guatemalan culture in India. “I am more than happy to present this appreciation certificate to Dr. Sandeep Marwah. We wish him a very bright future,” said Ambassador Solares.
The event also saw the presence of Rajiv Mathur, Director of ICMEI, and Luis David Vargas Mendez, Minister Counsellor, who joined in celebrating this milestone.
ICMEI Presents AAFT Scholarship to Embassy of Guatemala
New Delhi – In a gesture to strengthen cultural and educational ties between India and Guatemala, the Indo-Guatemala Film and Cultural Forum, part of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), has presented an AAFT – Asian Academy of Film and Television Scholarship to the Embassy of Guatemala. The scholarship was handed over to H.E. Mr. Omar Castañeda Solares, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Guatemala to India, in a humble ceremony at the Embassy of Guatemala.
The AAFT Scholarship is a prestigious award that includes a short-term course at the Asian Academy of Film and Television, along with three months of boarding and lodging for the selected student from Guatemala.
“We are more than happy to present this scholarship to you for the student referred by you. We feel and understand that this gesture will bring our two countries closer to each other,” said Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of ICMEI, during the presentation.
Expressing his gratitude, Ambassador Omar Castañeda Solares remarked, “I am thankful to AAFT and the Indo-Guatemala Film and Cultural Forum for this beautiful gesture. We will proceed with the system to ensure that the deserving student benefits from this opportunity.”
This scholarship initiative is another step towards enhancing the cultural and educational exchange between India and Guatemala, reinforcing the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Omar Castañeda Solares Appointed Patron of Indo-Guatemala Cultural Forum
New Delhi – The International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI) is pleased to announce the appointment of H.E. Mr. Omar Castañeda Solares, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Guatemala to India, as the new Patron of the Indo-Guatemala Film and Cultural Forum. The official announcement was made by Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of ICMEI, at a ceremony held at the Embassy of Guatemala.
In his new role, Ambassador Castañeda Solares will oversee the development and promotion of cultural relations between India and Guatemala. His extensive experience and dedication are expected to enhance the activities and reach of the Forum significantly.
“We are happy that H.E. Mr. Omar Castañeda Solares, Ambassador of Guatemala to India, is now the patron of the Indo-Guatemala Film and Cultural Forum. Under his guidance, we will be able to do much better and wholeheartedly develop and promote relations between the people of India and Guatemala,” said Dr. Sandeep Marwah during the ceremony.
Ambassador Castañeda Solares expressed his gratitude and excitement for his new role, stating, “I am feeling humbled to be part of the organization. Together we will take this setup to a higher platform.”
Ambassador Omar Lisandro Castañeda Solares joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala on April 18, 2005. He is a career diplomat with extensive experience in multilateral affairs. Throughout his career, he has served Guatemala in various capacities, including Third Secretary in the Directorate General of Protocol, Second and First Secretary in the Directorate General of Multilateral Relations, and Minister Counselor at the Permanent Mission of Guatemala to the United Nations in New York from 2009 to 2015.
From 2016 to 2022, he served as Deputy Permanent Representative of Guatemala to the United Nations. In December 2022, Ambassador Castañeda Solares was appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Guatemala to India and presented his letters of credence to Her Excellency Smt. Droupadi Murmu on February 15, 2023
Omar Castañeda Solares Appointed Patron of Indo-Guatemala Cultural Forum
New Delhi – The International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI) is pleased to announce the appointment of H.E. Mr. Omar Castañeda Solares, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Guatemala to India, as the new Patron of the Indo-Guatemala Film and Cultural Forum. The official announcement was made by Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of ICMEI, at a ceremony held at the Embassy of Guatemala.
In his new role, Ambassador Castañeda Solares will oversee the development and promotion of cultural relations between India and Guatemala. His extensive experience and dedication are expected to enhance the activities and reach of the Forum significantly.
“We are happy that H.E. Mr. Omar Castañeda Solares, Ambassador of Guatemala to India, is now the patron of the Indo-Guatemala Film and Cultural Forum. Under his guidance, we will be able to do much better and wholeheartedly develop and promote relations between the people of India and Guatemala,” said Dr. Sandeep Marwah during the ceremony.
Ambassador Castañeda Solares expressed his gratitude and excitement for his new role, stating, “I am feeling humbled to be part of the organization. Together we will take this setup to a higher platform.”
Ambassador Omar Lisandro Castañeda Solares joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala on April 18, 2005. He is a career diplomat with extensive experience in multilateral affairs. Throughout his career, he has served Guatemala in various capacities, including Third Secretary in the Directorate General of Protocol, Second and First Secretary in the Directorate General of Multilateral Relations, and Minister Counselor at the Permanent Mission of Guatemala to the United Nations in New York from 2009 to 2015.
From 2016 to 2022, he served as Deputy Permanent Representative of Guatemala to the United Nations. In December 2022, Ambassador Castañeda Solares was appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Guatemala to India and presented his letters of credence to Her Excellency Smt. Droupadi Murmu on February 15, 2023
Noida: The Indo Guatemala Film and Cultural Forum, an initiative of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), joyously celebrated the Independence Day of Guatemala at the Marwah Studios Film City in Noida. The event was orchestrated under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Sandeep Marwah, a revered media personality and the Chairperson of ICMEI.
Dr. Sandeep Marwah extended his heartfelt congratulations to H.E. Omar Lisandro Castaneda Solares, the Ambassador of Guatemala to India, and the people of Guatemala, on the auspicious occasion of their Independence Day celebrated on 15th September.
The Indo Guatemala Film and Cultural Forum has been actively engaged in fostering and promoting cultural relations between the people of Guatemala and India through the medium of art and culture. Guatemala has been a valuable partner, participating in numerous significant international programs including the Global Fashion Week, Global Literary Festival, Global Film Festival, and Global Festival of Journalism.
