MEDIA NEWS

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Dr. Sandeep Marwah Celebrates Armenia’s 35th Independence Anniversary, Highlights Cultural Bonds with India

New Delhi: A distinguished evening of music and friendship marked the 35th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia at the iconic Lotus Temple concert hall in New Delhi. The celebration featured the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, under the artistic leadership of conductor and tenor Maestro Sipan Olah, bringing Armenian musical heritage to Indian audiences.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chair of the Indo-Armenia Film and Cultural Forum, attended the occasion and extended warm congratulations to H.E. Dr. Vahagn Afyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to India, and Mrs. Lusine Afyan, conveying his best wishes to the people of Armenia.

Opening remarks by Ambassador Afyan and Shri Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, highlighted the longstanding historical and cultural connections between the two nations and their expanding partnership. Ambassador Afyan emphasised the shared appreciation of cultural heritage, while Shri Tandon underlined the importance of strengthening relations built upon these enduring ties.

Speaking to the press, Dr. Sandeep Marwah expressed his appreciation for the celebration and the role of cultural exchange in deepening international friendship. “Music speaks a universal language that connects hearts across borders. This celebration of Armenia’s independence reflects the warmth of India–Armenia friendship and the power of culture to bring our people closer. Through the Indo-Armenia Film and Cultural Forum, we seek to encourage meaningful exchanges in cinema, art, media and education, guided by our belief in ‘Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture,’” said Dr. Marwah.

He congratulated Ambassador Afyan and the participating artists, describing the concert as an inspiring opportunity to appreciate Armenia’s creative traditions and encourage dialogue between the two countries.

The occasion reaffirmed the value of cultural diplomacy in building mutual understanding, with music providing a memorable expression of friendship between India and Armenia.

Peruvian Culinary Heritage Celebrated at the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026

Noida: Celebrating the power of food to connect cultures, the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), in association with the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, presented a special showcase of traditional Peruvian cuisine during the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City.

The culinary presentation was graciously inaugurated by Mr. Jimy Trujillo, Second Secretary, Embassy of Peru. The showcase brought Peru’s culinary traditions into the festival’s international cultural programme, highlighting the relationship between food, heritage, hospitality and tourism.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of AAFT, said, “Every nation tells a story through its cuisine. By presenting the culinary heritage of Peru at the Global Film Festival Noida, we are creating an opportunity to discover another culture and strengthen friendship through a shared appreciation of food. For our students, such initiatives connect hospitality education with international understanding and reflect our mission of ‘Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture.’”

Mr. Jimy Trujillo, Second Secretary, Embassy of Peru, said, “It is a pleasure to inaugurate this presentation of traditional Peruvian cuisine. Our culinary heritage is an expression of our history, cultural diversity and the warmth of our people. We appreciate ICMEI and the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism for providing a platform to share this heritage and encourage closer cultural connections between Peru and India.”

The showcase highlighted culinary arts as an engaging medium of cultural diplomacy and an important part of tourism education. It also provided a setting in which the appreciation of international traditions complemented the festival’s celebration of cinema and creativity.

Through this presentation, ICMEI and AAFT reaffirmed their commitment to bringing cultures closer and enriching creative education through international exchange.

DPR Korean Cuisine Showcased at the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026

Noida: The International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), in association with the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, presented a special showcase of traditional cuisine from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea during the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City.

The culinary presentation was graciously inaugurated by Jang Jong Hwan, Counsellor, Embassy of DPR Korea, and Choe Ju Nam, Third Secretary, Embassy of DPR Korea. The showcase brought a distinctive culinary dimension to the festival’s celebration of international art, cinema and culture.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of AAFT, said, “Cuisine offers a meaningful introduction to a country’s heritage, traditions and everyday life. Through this presentation of traditional DPR Korean cuisine, we aim to encourage cultural understanding and provide our hospitality and tourism students with exposure to international culinary traditions. Such initiatives reflect our commitment to ‘Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture.’”

Jang Jong Hwan, Counsellor, Embassy of DPR Korea, said, “We are pleased to present our traditional cuisine at the Global Film Festival Noida. Food provides an opportunity to share our cultural heritage and bring people closer through a shared experience. We appreciate ICMEI and the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism for organising this presentation and encouraging cultural exchange.”

The presence of Choe Ju Nam, Third Secretary, Embassy of DPR Korea, further underscored the Embassy’s participation in the festival’s international cultural programme.

The presentation highlighted the role of culinary arts in cultural exchange, connecting hospitality education with the festival’s wider celebration of creativity and friendship among nations.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Costa Rican Cuisine Celebrated at the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026

Noida: The International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), in association with the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, presented a special showcase of traditional Costa Rican cuisine during the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City.

The culinary presentation was inaugurated by H.E. Nestor Gabriel Baltodano Vargas, Ambassador of Costa Rica, and Gaudi Patricia, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Costa Rica. The occasion brought Costa Rica’s culinary heritage into the festival’s celebration of cinema, creativity and international cultural exchange.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of ICMEI and AAFT, said, “Food is a wonderful expression of a nation’s culture, traditions and identity. Through this showcase of Costa Rican cuisine, we celebrate friendship between India and Costa Rica while giving our students an opportunity to appreciate international hospitality and culinary traditions. Our mission of ‘Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture’ finds a beautiful expression in such exchanges.”

H.E. Nestor Gabriel Baltodano Vargas said, “We are delighted to share a part of Costa Rica’s cultural heritage through its traditional cuisine at the Global Film Festival Noida. Food brings people together and encourages curiosity about one another’s countries. I appreciate ICMEI and AAFT for creating this opportunity to strengthen friendship and cultural understanding between Costa Rica and India.”

The participation of Gaudi Patricia, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Costa Rica, further highlighted the spirit of cooperation behind the presentation.

The showcase added an international culinary dimension to the festival, demonstrating how cinema, hospitality and cultural traditions can come together to encourage dialogue and closer connections between nations.

Suriname’s Culinary Heritage Showcased at the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026

Noida: The International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), in association with the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism, presented a special showcase of traditional cuisine from Suriname during the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City.

The culinary presentation was inaugurated by H.E. Hanisha Jairam, Ambassador of Suriname to India, bringing another dimension of international culture and friendship to the festival.

Welcoming the Ambassador, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of AAFT and ICMEI, emphasised the role of food in encouraging cultural appreciation and strengthening connections between nations. “Cuisine carries the stories, traditions and identity of a country. This showcase of Suriname’s culinary heritage provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate friendship while introducing our students to international flavours and hospitality traditions. We are honoured by the presence of H.E. Hanisha Jairam and grateful for her encouragement of this cultural exchange,” said Dr. Marwah.

H.E. Hanisha Jairam appreciated the initiative and highlighted the value of sharing cultural traditions through cuisine. “Food is a beautiful way to introduce people to the culture of Suriname. I am delighted to inaugurate this culinary presentation and appreciate ICMEI and the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism for celebrating our traditions. Such initiatives encourage understanding, friendship and closer people-to-people connections between Suriname and India,” said the Ambassador.

The presentation highlighted the educational value of exploring international cuisines and the contribution of hospitality and tourism to cultural exchange. By bringing cinema and culinary heritage together, the festival created a platform for celebrating creativity, learning and international goodwill.

Award-Winning Photography Exhibition Inaugurated at the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026

Noida: The International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), in association with the AAFT School of Photography, presented an exhibition of award-winning photographs during the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Evgeny Antonov, diplomat from the Russian Embassy, Tirtankar Biswas, senior artist, Gurucharan Singh, actor, and Arvind Arora, stage actor. The showcase brought photography into the festival’s celebration of cinema, art and international cultural exchange.

Welcoming the distinguished guests, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and ICMEI, introduced the AAFT School of Photography and explained its emphasis on creative learning, technical skills and visual storytelling. “Photography is a powerful medium that captures emotion, preserves memories and communicates ideas across languages and cultures. At the AAFT School of Photography, we encourage students to develop an individual perspective alongside technical excellence. Presenting award-winning photographs at an international festival creates an inspiring opportunity for learning and appreciation,” said Dr. Marwah.

Speaking on the occasion, Tirtankar Biswas highlighted the artistic significance of photography and the importance of platforms that encourage creative expression. “A compelling photograph goes beyond recording a scene; it reveals the photographer’s sensitivity, observation and imagination. Exhibitions such as this encourage viewers to engage with visual art and inspire emerging photographers to explore their own creative voice,” said Biswas.

The presence of representatives from diplomacy, visual arts, cinema and theatre added to the exhibition’s spirit of creative exchange. The initiative reaffirmed ICMEI and AAFT’s commitment to promoting artistic expression and connecting creative education with wider cultural platforms.

Russian Cuisine Showcase Celebrates Cultural Friendship at the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026

Noida: The AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism presented an exquisite showcase of Russian cuisine during the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City, adding a culinary dimension to the festival’s celebration of international culture and creative exchange.

The Russian food counter was inaugurated by Evgeny Antonov, diplomat from the Embassy of the Russian Federation in India. The presentation offered an opportunity to appreciate Russia’s culinary heritage while celebrating friendship and cultural understanding between India and Russia.

“Food is an integral part of a nation’s cultural identity. Through this presentation of Russian cuisine, we are bringing people closer and encouraging our students to explore the traditions of another country. Cinema, hospitality and tourism can together create meaningful opportunities for international friendship,” said Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and Chancellor of AAFT University of Media & Arts.

Dr. Marwah appreciated the efforts of the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism in bringing international culinary traditions into the festival experience. He emphasised the educational value of such initiatives in broadening students’ cultural awareness and understanding of hospitality.

“It is a pleasure to inaugurate the Russian food counter at the Global Film Festival Noida. Cuisine offers a welcoming introduction to a country’s culture and traditions. We appreciate AAFT’s initiative in showcasing Russian culinary heritage and encouraging friendship between the people of Russia and India,” said Evgeny Antonov.

The showcase reflected the festival’s spirit of cultural exchange, bringing cinema and cuisine together on a shared platform of creativity, learning and international goodwill.