MEDIA NEWS

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Hindi Cinema Samman Conferred on Sharifah Ezneeda Wafa at 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025

Noida, India: In a significant recognition of her contribution towards strengthening cultural ties through cinema, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chair of the Hindi Cinema Samman Samaroh, conferred the prestigious Hindi Cinema Samman on Ms. Sharifah Ezneeda Wafa, Deputy Head of the Mission, High Commission of Malaysia, during the 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025 at the iconic Marwah Film City, Noida.

The honour was presented for Ms. Sharifah Ezneeda Wafa’s consistent efforts and support in the promotion of Hindi cinema and Indian culture in Malaysia, fostering deeper people-to-people connections between the two nations. The ceremony was held under the banner of the Indo–Malaysia Film and Cultural Forum, reflecting the growing collaboration between India and Malaysia in the fields of cinema, culture, and creative exchange.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah stated that Hindi cinema has played a powerful role in taking Indian culture across borders and building emotional bridges worldwide. He applauded Ms. Sharifah’s dedication to cultural diplomacy and emphasized that her support has significantly contributed to enhancing the reach and appreciation of Indian cinema in Malaysia.

Accepting the honour, Ms. Sharifah Ezneeda Wafa expressed her gratitude to the Global Film Festival Noida and AAFT. She stated that Hindi cinema enjoys immense popularity in Malaysia and serves as an important cultural connector between the people of both countries. She reaffirmed her commitment to further strengthening Indo–Malaysia cultural and cinematic relations through continued collaboration and mutual appreciation.

The Hindi Cinema Samman ceremony emerged as a proud and meaningful moment at the 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025, celebrating cultural diplomacy, cinematic excellence, and enduring friendship between India and Malaysia.

Peruvian Film “The Best Families” Receives Award of Distinction at 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025

Noida, India: The 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025, hosted at the iconic Marwah Film City, Noida, proudly presented the screening of the critically acclaimed Peruvian film “The Best Families”, directed by renowned filmmaker Javier Fuentes León. The film brought a strong and meaningful Latin American perspective to the festival’s vibrant international showcase and was warmly applauded by filmmakers, critics, students, media professionals, and international dignitaries.

Recognizing its powerful narrative, artistic excellence, and strong social relevance, the film was honoured with the prestigious Award of Distinction. The award was received by Mr. Enrique Descalzi, Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of Peru, on behalf of the director. Expressing his appreciation, Mr. Descalzi thanked the festival organizers for providing a respected global platform for Peruvian cinema and emphasized that such cultural exchanges strengthen mutual understanding between nations.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the Global Film Festival Noida, highlighted the role of cinema as a bridge between cultures. He stated that the screening and recognition of “The Best Families” under the banner of the Indo–Peru Film and Cultural Forum reflects the growing cultural and cinematic cooperation between India and Peru, promoting dialogue, empathy, and global harmony through film.

The screening and honour of “The Best Families” emerged as a significant highlight of the 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025, reinforcing the festival’s mission to celebrate world cinema and strengthen international cultural relations through the universal language of storytelling. The event was supported by AAFT, ICMEI and IFTC.

AAFT School of Hospitality & Tourism Presents Flavours of Malaysia at 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025

Noida, India: The rich and aromatic cuisines of Malaysia were elegantly showcased by the AAFT School of Hospitality and Tourism during the 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025 at the prestigious Marwah Film City, Noida. The vibrant culinary presentation was ceremoniously inaugurated by Ms. Sharifah Ezneeda Wafa, Deputy Head of the Mission, High Commission of Malaysia, adding a strong cultural dimension to the international festival.

The Malaysian food presentation reflected the country’s diverse culinary heritage, blending traditional flavors with artistic presentation. Addressing the gathering, Ms. Sharifah Ezneeda Wafa appreciated AAFT for beautifully presenting Malaysian cuisine on a global platform and stated that such initiatives promote deeper cultural understanding and people-to-people ties between India and Malaysia. She applauded the students for their professionalism and authenticity in representing Malaysia’s rich food culture.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the Global Film Festival Noida, emphasized that cuisine is an integral part of cultural diplomacy. He stated that the presentation of Malaysian cuisine under the banner of the Indo–Malaysia Film and Cultural Forum reflects the growing cultural collaboration between the two nations. He further highlighted AAFT’s commitment to nurturing global exposure among students by integrating cinema, culture, and culinary arts on one international platform.

The presentation of Cuisines from Malaysia emerged as a vibrant highlight of the 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025, reinforcing the festival’s vision of celebrating global diversity, friendship, and cultural harmony at Marwah Film City. The event was supported by AAFT , ICMEI and IFTC.

AAFT School of Hospitality & Tourism Presents Exquisite Zimbabwean Cuisine at 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025

Noida, India: The rich and diverse flavors of Zimbabwe were beautifully showcased during the 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025 with a special Presentation of Cuisines from Zimbabwe, organized by the AAFT School of Hospitality & Tourism at the prestigious Marwah Film City, Noida. The culinary presentation was ceremoniously inaugurated by Ms. Sophia Chimba, Tourism Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe, along with Mr. Dambudzo Victor Miga, Cultural Attaché, Embassy of Zimbabwe, in the presence of international dignitaries, filmmakers, and festival guests.

The thoughtfully curated menu reflected Zimbabwe’s vibrant culinary heritage and was widely appreciated for its authenticity, presentation, and taste. Addressing the gathering, Ms. Sophia Chimba expressed her delight at witnessing Zimbabwean cuisine being presented on such a prominent global platform. She appreciated the efforts of AAFT students for capturing the essence of Zimbabwe’s food culture and noted that cuisine plays a vital role in promoting tourism and cultural understanding.

Mr. Dambudzo Victor Miga highlighted the importance of cultural exchange through gastronomy, stating that initiatives like these strengthen people-to-people connections between Zimbabwe and India. He commended AAFT and the Global Film Festival Noida for creating opportunities where culture, cinema, and cuisine come together to build lasting international friendships.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the Global Film Festival Noida, emphasized that food is a powerful medium of cultural diplomacy. He stated that the presentation of Zimbabwean cuisine reflects AAFT’s commitment to global education and cultural integration, allowing students to learn, innovate, and represent world cultures with professionalism and respect.

The presentation of Cuisines from Zimbabwe emerged as a vibrant and flavorful highlight of the 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025, celebrating global harmony, cultural diversity, and international collaboration at Marwah Film City.

Zimbabwean Film “RISE” Receives Warm Acclaim at 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025

Noida, India: The 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025, hosted at the iconic Marwah Film City, Noida, witnessed a powerful cinematic moment with the special screening of the Zimbabwean film “RISE”, directed by Jessica J. Rowlands. The screening was ceremoniously inaugurated by Ms. Sophia Chimba, Tourism Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe, along with Mr. Dambudzo Victor Miga, Cultural Attaché, Embassy of Zimbabwe, highlighting the growing cultural and cinematic ties between India and Zimbabwe.

The film RISE, appreciated for its compelling narrative and strong social message, deeply resonated with the international audience present at the festival. Recognizing its artistic merit and impactful storytelling, the film was honoured with the Award of Distinction, which was presented by Dr. Sushil Bharti, Director Broadcasting, Marwah Studios, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, filmmakers, and media representatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the Global Film Festival Noida, emphasized the importance of showcasing diverse voices from across the globe. He stated that films like RISE reflect the strength of world cinema and reinforce the festival’s mission of promoting cultural dialogue, creative exchange, and international understanding through meaningful storytelling.

The screening of RISE stood out as a proud moment at the 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025, further strengthening global cinematic collaboration and celebrating the rich creative spirit of Zimbabwean cinema on an international platform.

AAFT School of Fine Arts Presents Spectacular Cinema-Themed Painting Exhibition at 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025

Noida, India: A captivating and visually stunning exhibition of paintings inspired by cinema was presented by forty talented artists from the AAFT School of Fine Arts during the 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025 at the prestigious Marwah Studios, Film City Noida. The exhibition emerged as a major artistic highlight of the festival, seamlessly blending the worlds of fine art and cinema in a world-class creative environment.

Curated and executed entirely by AAFT students, the exhibition showcased an impressive range of cinematic interpretations—from iconic film moments and legendary personalities to abstract expressions capturing the emotion, rhythm, and storytelling power of cinema. Visitors from across the film, media, cultural, and diplomatic communities praised the extraordinary dedication, originality, and craftsmanship reflected in each artwork. The exhibition received overwhelming appreciation for the students’ journey from conceptual ideas to flawless execution, demonstrating exceptional artistic maturity and professional discipline.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the Global Film Festival Noida, expressed immense pride in the young artists. He stated that the exhibition reflects AAFT’s commitment to nurturing creativity and excellence across all art forms. “These paintings are not just visual creations; they are powerful narratives inspired by cinema. The passion, hard work, and imagination of our students have transformed this space into a celebration of art, culture, and cinematic expression,” he said.

The exhibition stood as a testament to the creative brilliance of AAFT students and reinforced the 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025 as a truly multidisciplinary global platform celebrating cinema, art, and innovation.

18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025 Pays Glorious Tribute to Legendary Superstar Dharmendra

Noida, India: The 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025, held at the iconic Marwah Studios, Film City Noida, paid a heartfelt and majestic tribute to Superstar Dharmendra, one of the most legendary and beloved actors in the history of the Indian film industry. The special homage celebrated Dharamji’s extraordinary journey and his timeless contribution to Indian cinema and Bollywood, acknowledging a legacy that continues to inspire generations of filmmakers, actors, and audiences worldwide.

Renowned dignitaries, filmmakers, artists, media personalities, and international guests from the media and entertainment industry who visited the festival joined together to pay their deep respect to the legendary actor. The tribute recalled some of Dharmendra’s most iconic and unforgettable films that shaped the golden era of Indian cinema and established him as the “He-Man” of Bollywood—an actor admired equally for his powerful performances, emotional depth, and enduring charm.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the Global Film Festival Noida, said that Dharmendra is not just a superstar but a living institution of Indian cinema. “His contribution to Bollywood is unparalleled. Through decades of remarkable performances, he has defined excellence, sincerity, and mass appeal. Dharamji’s work reflects the soul of Indian cinema and continues to influence artists across generations,” he stated.

The tribute stood as a moment of collective gratitude and admiration, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to honouring cinematic legends who have shaped the cultural and artistic identity of India. The homage to Dharmendra emerged as one of the most powerful and emotionally resonant highlights of the 18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025. A set representing Dharamji’s Movies was erected by the students of AAFT School of Interior Design.