Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan inaugurates three-day celebration of cinema, creativity and cultural diplomacy at Marwah Studios

Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan inaugurates three-day celebration of cinema, creativity and cultural diplomacy at Marwah Studios

Noida, India: The 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 commenced with a spectacular inaugural ceremony at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City, bringing together distinguished leaders from government, cinema, broadcasting, diplomacy, media and the creative industries.

The three-day festival is presented by the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry in association with the International Film and Television Club, with the support of AAFT University.

Dr. L. Murugan, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, formally inaugurated the festival amid an eminent national and international gathering.

The distinguished guests included Gaurav Dwivedi, Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati; T. P. Aggarwal, Patron of the Film Federation of India; Sakshi Mehra, President of the Motion Pictures Association; H.E. Harisoa Lalatiana Accouche, Ambassador of Seychelles; H.E. Abdullah Mohammad A. Abushawesh, Ambassador of Palestine; Commander K. L. Ganju, Honorary Consul General of Comoros; renowned Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi; Anita Chandradath of Trinidad and Tobago; actor and BJP spokesperson Mukesh Tyagi; and several other prominent personalities from India and abroad.

In his welcome address, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder of Noida Film City, President of Marwah Studios and Festival President, described the Global Film Festival Noida as much more than a celebration of cinema. He called it an international movement committed to strengthening friendship, cultural understanding and cooperation among nations through the creative arts. “The 19th edition of the Global Film Festival Noida has been designed to bring the world closer through art and culture. We firmly believe in the timeless Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family. Cinema is among the most influential mediums for spreading love, peace and unity across borders,” said Dr. Marwah.

He announced that 52 thoughtfully curated events would be organised during the three-day festival. The programme includes national and international film screenings, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, book launches, cultural presentations, award ceremonies and interactive sessions featuring leading personalities from the film and media fraternity.

Dr. Marwah emphasised that the festival is committed to taking Indian cinema to international audiences while creating a prestigious platform for global cinema in India.

“The Global Film Festival Noida has established itself as one of the world’s most vibrant academic film festivals. It brings filmmakers, students, diplomats, artists, educators and industry leaders together on a common platform and creates valuable opportunities for learning, networking and international collaboration,” he added.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. L. Murugan highlighted the remarkable expansion of India’s media and entertainment industry and its growing contribution to the national economy. He praised the creativity, passion and entrepreneurial spirit of industry professionals whose collective efforts have strengthened the sector and expanded India’s cultural influence across the world.

The Minister also spoke about the increasing significance of the Orange Economy, which encompasses cinema, broadcasting, animation, visual effects, gaming, digital media, music, design and other creative industries. He noted that technological innovation and emerging platforms are generating unprecedented possibilities for young professionals, content creators and media entrepreneurs.

Referring to the expanding international reach of Indian cinema, Dr. Murugan acknowledged the successful global presentation of Indian stories and the rapidly changing trends in film production, distribution and audience engagement. He encouraged young professionals to embrace innovation while remaining deeply connected to India’s rich cultural heritage.

A major highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the conferment of the prestigious Patronship of the Rashtriya Hindi Cinema Samman—National Hindi Cinema Samman—upon Dr. L. Murugan. Dr. Sandeep Marwah presented the honour in recognition of the Minister’s distinguished leadership and continued commitment to the promotion of Indian cinema, media and culture.

Dr. Murugan also presented awards, honours and commemorative mementos to distinguished guests in recognition of their valuable contributions to cinema, broadcasting, cultural diplomacy and international cooperation.

The grand opening further strengthened the position of the Global Film Festival Noida as an important international platform for cinematic exchange, professional interaction and creative collaboration.

With the participation of filmmakers, artists, diplomats, media professionals, educators and students from across the world, the festival continues to carry forward its inspiring message of “Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture.”

Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan Inaugurates the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 at Marwah Studios

Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan Inaugurates the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 at Marwah Studios

Noida, India: The 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 opened on a magnificent note at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City, bringing together eminent representatives from government, cinema, broadcasting, diplomacy, media and the creative industries presented by International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry in association with International Film and Television Club supported by AAFT University.

The festival was formally inaugurated by Dr. L. Murugan, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, in the presence of a distinguished international gathering.

Prominent dignitaries attending the grand opening included Gaurav Dwivedi, Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati; T. P. Aggarwal, Patron of the Film Federation of India; Sakshi Mehra, President of the Motion Pictures Association; H.E. Harisoa Lalatiana Accouche, Ambassador of Seychelles; H.E. Abdullah Mohammad A. Abushawesh, Ambassador of Palestine; Commander K. L. Ganju, Honorary Consul General of Comoros; renowned Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi; Anita Chandradath of Trinidad and Tobago; actor and BJP spokesperson Mukesh Tyagi; and several other eminent personalities from India and abroad.

Welcoming the guests, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder of Noida Film City, President of Marwah Studios and Festival President, described the Global Film Festival Noida as an international movement dedicated to strengthening friendship, cultural understanding and cooperation among nations through cinema. “The 19th edition of the Global Film Festival Noida has been designed to bring the entire world closer through art and culture. We firmly believe in the timeless Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family. Cinema is one of the most powerful instruments for promoting love, peace and unity across borders,” said Dr. Marwah.

He announced that 52 carefully curated events had been planned during the three-day festival, including national and international film screenings, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, book launches, cultural presentations, award ceremonies and interactive sessions with leading members of the film and media fraternity.

Dr. Marwah further stated that the festival seeks to promote Indian cinema internationally while simultaneously providing a prestigious platform for global cinema in India. “The Global Film Festival Noida has earned recognition as one of the world’s most vibrant academic film festivals. It connects filmmakers, students, diplomats, artists, educators and industry leaders on a common platform while creating meaningful opportunities for learning, networking and international collaboration,” he added.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. L. Murugan spoke extensively about the extraordinary growth of India’s media and entertainment industry and its increasing contribution to the country’s economy. He appreciated the passion, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of professionals whose collective efforts have strengthened the sector and enhanced India’s cultural influence worldwide.

The Minister highlighted the growing importance of the Orange Economy, which encompasses cinema, broadcasting, animation, visual effects, gaming, digital media, music, design and other creative industries. He observed that technological innovation and emerging platforms are opening unprecedented opportunities for young talent, content creators and media entrepreneurs.

Dr. Murugan also referred to the expanding global reach of Indian cinema, the successful international projection of Indian stories and the new trends transforming film production, distribution and audience engagement. He encouraged young professionals to embrace innovation while remaining connected to India’s rich cultural heritage.

A special highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the conferment of the prestigious Patronship of the Rashtriya Hindi Cinema Samman—National Hindi Cinema Samman upon Dr. L. Murugan. Dr. Sandeep Marwah presented the honour in recognition of the Minister’s distinguished leadership and commitment to the promotion of Indian cinema, media and culture.

Dr. Murugan subsequently presented awards, honours and commemorative mementos to distinguished guests for their contributions to cinema, broadcasting, cultural diplomacy and international cooperation.

The grand inauguration reaffirmed the Global Film Festival Noida’s position as a significant international platform for cinematic exchange and creative collaboration. With participation from filmmakers, artists, diplomats, media professionals and students from across the world, the festival continues to advance its powerful message of “Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture.”

Sandeep Marwah Appreciated for Eight Years of Service to Indo-Iceland Cultural Relations

Sandeep Marwah Appreciated for Eight Years of Service to Indo-Iceland Cultural Relations

New Delhi: Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), was appreciated for his eight years of dedicated service as Chair of the Indo-Iceland Film and Cultural Forum.

The Forum was established in 2018 under the patronage of the then Ambassador of Iceland to India, H.E. Thorir Ibsen, with the objective of strengthening cultural relations between India and Iceland through cinema, media, education, art and cultural exchange. Dr. Marwah was nominated as its Chair at the time of its creation.

Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Sandeep Marwah said, “It has been a great honour to serve the Indo-Iceland Film and Cultural Forum for the past eight years. Iceland has been a valued partner in almost every major international event organised by ICMEI and Marwah Studios.”

He highlighted Iceland’s association with prestigious programmes including the Global Film Festival Noida, Global Festival of Journalism Noida, Global Fashion Week Noida, Global Literary Festival Noida, International Festival of Documentary Films, International Festival of Cellphone Cinema and the AAFT Festival of Short Digital Films.

“These sustained associations have brought the people of India and Iceland closer through creative interaction and cultural diplomacy. We look forward to expanding our cooperation through film screenings, educational exchanges, joint productions, cultural delegations and tourism promotion,” Dr. Marwah added.

H.E. Benedikt Höskuldsson, Ambassador of Iceland to India, appreciated the consistent contribution of Dr. Sandeep Marwah towards promoting Iceland in India through the activities of the Forum.

“Dr. Sandeep Marwah’s commitment and eight years of continuous service have contributed significantly to strengthening cultural understanding between Iceland and India. The Indo-Iceland Film and Cultural Forum provides a valuable platform for developing greater cooperation in cinema, arts, education and culture,” said H.E. Benedikt Höskuldsson.

The Indo-Iceland Film and Cultural Forum operates under ICMEI and continues to promote friendship, creative collaboration and people-to-people relations between the two nations.

Icelandic Ambassador H.E. Benedikt Höskuldsson Becomes Patron of Indo-Iceland Film and Cultural Forum

Icelandic Ambassador H.E. Benedikt Höskuldsson Becomes Patron of Indo-Iceland Film and Cultural Forum

New Delhi: In a significant step towards strengthening cultural relations between India and Iceland, the Patronship of the Indo-Iceland Film and Cultural Forum was formally presented to H.E. Benedikt Höskuldsson, Ambassador of Iceland to India, during a gracious ceremony held at the Embassy of Iceland in New Delhi.

The Indo-Iceland Film and Cultural Forum was established by the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI) to develop meaningful cooperation between the two countries through cinema, television, media, art, culture, education, tourism and other creative disciplines.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of ICMEI and Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts, congratulated the Ambassador on accepting the Patronship of the Forum. “We are deeply honoured to welcome H.E. Benedikt Höskuldsson as the Patron of the Indo-Iceland Film and Cultural Forum. His guidance and support will add fresh energy to our efforts to bring the people of India and Iceland closer through art and culture,” said Dr. Sandeep Marwah.

“Iceland is internationally admired for its extraordinary natural beauty, rich literary traditions and rapidly growing creative and film industries. The Forum will encourage greater interaction among filmmakers, artists, writers, students, educators, cultural organisations and tourism professionals from both countries,” Dr. Marwah added.

H.E. Benedikt Höskuldsson expressed his appreciation for the honour and welcomed the initiative to expand cultural cooperation between India and Iceland. “Culture and creative expression play an important role in building understanding and friendship among nations. Iceland and India share immense possibilities for collaboration in films, arts, literature, education, tourism and cultural exchange. I am pleased to accept the Patronship of the Indo-Iceland Film and Cultural Forum and look forward to supporting its meaningful initiatives,” said H.E. Benedikt Höskuldsson.

The Forum will work towards organising film screenings, cultural festivals, art exhibitions, academic exchanges, workshops, seminars, institutional partnerships and visits by artists and creative professionals. It will also explore opportunities for collaboration between the film and media industries of India and Iceland.

The ceremony reaffirmed the shared commitment of both sides to advancing people-to-people relations and creating new avenues of cooperation under ICMEI’s global mission of promoting Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture.

100 Countries Connect with 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026

100 Countries Connect with 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026

Noida, India: The 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026, scheduled from 16th to 18th September 2026 at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City, is set to bring together the spirit of cinema, culture and international friendship, with connections and participation representing more than 100 countries from across the world.

Organized by Marwah Studios in association with the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI) and supported by leading organizations from the film, television, media, arts and cultural fraternity, the three-day festival has developed into an important international platform for creative exchange.

“The Global Film Festival Noida is not merely a celebration of films; it is a celebration of relationships between nations. Cinema has the extraordinary power to cross geographical boundaries, overcome language barriers and bring people closer through emotions, stories and shared human values,” said Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the Global Film Festival Noida and Marwah Studios.

Dr. Marwah, who is also Vice President of the Film Federation of India, emphasized that the festival reflects India’s growing role in international cultural diplomacy and the global creative industries.

The 19th edition will feature an extensive programme of national and international film screenings, workshops, seminars, masterclasses, panel discussions, exhibitions of fine arts and photography, fashion presentations, cultural programmes, interactions with filmmakers and special events dedicated to eminent personalities of Indian cinema.

A major highlight of this year’s festival will be special musical tributes to three legendary personalities of the Indian entertainment industry—R.D. Burman on 16th September, Lata Mangeshkar on 17th September and Yash Chopra on 18th September—celebrating their unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema and music.

Through ICMEI’s extensive network of international film and cultural forums, the festival has consistently promoted stronger people-to-people relations and creative cooperation between India and countries around the world.

“Our objective is to use cinema, media, art and culture as instruments of friendship, understanding and peace. The presence and association of more than 100 countries gives the Global Film Festival Noida a truly international character and reinforces our belief that creative expression can unite the world,” added Dr. Marwah.

The festival is expected to attract filmmakers, actors, producers, directors, diplomats, cultural representatives, media professionals, artists, academicians and thousands of young film and media students during the three-day celebration.

The 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 will take place from 16th to 18th September at Marwah Studios, Film City, Noida, reaffirming Noida’s growing stature as an important international centre for cinema, media, education and the creative arts.

19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 to Pay Musical Tribute to R.D. Burman, Lata Mangeshkar and Yash Chopra

19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 to Pay Musical Tribute to R.D. Burman, Lata Mangeshkar and Yash Chopra

Noida, India: The 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026, scheduled from 16th to 18th September 2026 at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City, will pay a special musical tribute to three legendary personalities of the Indian film industry—R.D. Burman, Lata Mangeshkar and Yash Chopra—celebrating their extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema and entertainment.

As part of the three-day festival, specially curated musical programmes will showcase some of the most memorable and popular songs associated with these iconic personalities. The festival will honour legendary music composer R.D. Burman on 16th September, the immortal voice of Indian cinema Lata Mangeshkar on 17th September, and celebrated filmmaker Yash Chopra on 18th September. It is designed by AAFT School of Music.

“These three towering personalities have left an everlasting imprint on Indian cinema. R.D. Burman revolutionised film music with his extraordinary creativity and experimentation; Lata Mangeshkar gave Indian cinema a voice that touched millions of hearts across generations; and Yash Chopra transformed romance, music and visual storytelling on the Indian screen. Their contribution to the entertainment industry is truly unparalleled,” said Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and the Global Film Festival Noida.

Dr. Marwah, who is also Vice President of the Film Federation of India, added, “The Global Film Festival Noida has always believed in remembering and celebrating the masters who built the glorious heritage of Indian cinema. Through these musical tributes, we want the younger generation of filmmakers, artists and media professionals to understand the enormous contribution of these legends and draw inspiration from their timeless work.”

The special tribute programmes will form an important cultural highlight of the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026, bringing together filmmakers, artists, musicians, students, diplomats and cinema lovers from India and abroad.

The festival will continue its mission of promoting cinema, creativity, cultural exchange and international cooperation through the powerful medium of films and performing arts.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah Congratulates Trinidad and Tobago on Independence Day

Dr. Sandeep Marwah Congratulates Trinidad and Tobago on Independence Day

New Delhi: Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), extended his heartiest congratulations to the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day, celebrated on 31st August.

Dr. Marwah conveyed his warm greetings and best wishes to H.E. Chandradath Singh, High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago to India, and the people of the country on this significant national occasion.

“On behalf of ICMEI and the entire fraternity of art, culture, media and entertainment, I extend my warmest congratulations to H.E. Chandradath Singh and the people of Trinidad and Tobago on their Independence Day. I wish the nation continued peace, progress, prosperity and happiness,” said Dr. Sandeep Marwah.

Highlighting the strong cultural connections between the two nations, Dr. Marwah said that India and Trinidad and Tobago share deep historical and people-to-people ties, which provide a strong foundation for expanding cooperation in the fields of art and culture.

He emphasized the enormous potential for greater collaboration through cinema, television, music, performing arts, literature, media, education, tourism and cultural exchange programmes. Dr. Marwah expressed ICMEI’s desire to work closely with the High Commission to create more opportunities for artists, filmmakers, students, educators and media professionals from both countries.

Dr. Marwah reiterated that cultural diplomacy plays an important role in strengthening international friendship and mutual understanding. He reaffirmed ICMEI’s commitment to promoting closer India–Trinidad and Tobago relations through its international cultural initiatives and its mission of “Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture.”