MEDIA NEWS

Friday, October 9, 2026

Costa Rican Ambassador Presented with Patronship of Indo-Costa Rica Film and Cultural Forum at 19th Global Film Festival Noida

Noida: The Patronship of the Indo-Costa Rica Film and Cultural Forum was formally presented to H.E. Nestor Gabriel Baltodano Vargas, Ambassador of Costa Rica, during the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City. The presentation marked a significant step in the newly launched Forum’s efforts to strengthen friendship between India and Costa Rica through cinema, art and culture.

The gesture received warm appreciation from the large audience and distinguished guests on stage, reflecting enthusiasm for closer cultural engagement between the two nations.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the Global Film Festival Noida, said: “We are honoured to present the Patronship of the Indo-Costa Rica Film and Cultural Forum to His Excellency. His guidance and encouragement will help us build meaningful connections between the people of our countries through film, creative education and cultural exchange.”

H.E. Nestor Gabriel Baltodano Vargas said: “I am pleased to receive this Patronship and welcome the Forum’s commitment to strengthening friendship between Costa Rica and India. Cinema and culture offer wonderful opportunities for our people to discover one another’s traditions, creativity and aspirations.”

The presentation took place in the presence of H.E. Hanisha Jairam, Ambassador of Suriname; R. S. Mishra, IAS; Jang Jong Hwan, Counsellor, Embassy of DPR Korea; Jimy Trujillo, Second Secretary, Embassy of Peru; Dr. Dilip Kumar Kowkonda, Founder of Hyderabad Smiles; Dr. Amit Behl, renowned actor; Aroon Bakshi, acclaimed actor and singer; Mehul Kumar, distinguished filmmaker and writer; Dipali Mathur Tayal, Miss Universe Bharat; and Anoop Lather, actor and Chairperson, Culture Council & PRO, University of Delhi.

The Forum aims to encourage interaction among filmmakers, artists, students and cultural institutions, creating opportunities for shared programmes and creative collaboration.

The ceremony reaffirmed the festival’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and Dr. Marwah’s guiding message of “Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture.”

Indo-Costa Rica Film and Cultural Forum Launched at the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026

Noida: A new chapter in cultural cooperation between India and Costa Rica opened with the grand launch of the Indo-Costa Rica Film and Cultural Forum during the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City. The occasion brought together diplomats, filmmakers, artists and educationists to celebrate the potential of cinema and culture to strengthen international friendship.

H.E. Nestor Gabriel Baltodano Vargas, Ambassador of Costa Rica, welcomed the initiative, noting that diplomatic relations between India and Costa Rica date back to 1970. He described the Forum as the first association of its kind dedicated to bringing the two countries closer through film and cultural engagement.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the Global Film Festival Noida, described the launch as a landmark initiative aimed at developing and promoting relations between the people of India and Costa Rica. He emphasised that cinema, art and cultural exchange can create lasting connections, encourage mutual understanding and open opportunities for creative collaboration.

The Forum’s launch established a platform to explore film screenings, cultural programmes, educational interaction and exchanges among artists, filmmakers and students from both countries.

The ceremony took place in the distinguished presence of H.E. Hanisha Jairam, Ambassador of Suriname; R. S. Mishra, IAS; Jang Jong Hwan, Counsellor, Embassy of DPR Korea; Jimy Trujillo, Second Secretary, Embassy of Peru; Dr. Dilip Kumar Kowkonda, Founder of Hyderabad Smiles; Dr. Amit Behl, renowned actor; Aroon Bakshi, acclaimed actor and singer; Mehul Kumar, distinguished filmmaker and writer; Dipali Mathur Tayal, Miss Universe Bharat; and Anoop Lather, actor and Chairperson, Culture Council & PRO, University of Delhi.

The presence of representatives from several countries alongside leading creative professionals gave the launch an international dimension and reinforced the festival’s role in encouraging cultural dialogue.

Guided by Dr. Marwah’s message of “Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture,” the Indo-Costa Rica Film and Cultural Forum will seek to translate shared goodwill into meaningful connections between the people and creative communities of both nations.

Cinema, Technology and Ethics Take Centre Stage at the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026

Noida: The third-session seminar of the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026, held at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City, brought together diplomats, actors, filmmakers and professionals for a discussion on “Artificial Intelligence in Cinema—Creativity, Technology and Ethics.” Each participant shared a perspective on the role of AI in shaping the future of creative expression.

Initiating the discussion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of GFFN, emphasised the importance of balancing innovation with responsibility.Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President, GFFN: “Artificial intelligence should expand the possibilities of cinema while preserving human imagination, artistic dignity and ethical responsibility.”

H.E. Nestor Gabriel Baltodano Vargas, Ambassador of Costa Rica: “AI can encourage international creative collaboration when its use respects cultural diversity and the rights of creators.”

H.E. Hanisha Jairam, Ambassador of Suriname: “As cinema embraces artificial intelligence, we must ensure that diverse cultures and smaller communities retain their authentic voices.”

R. S. Mishra, IAS: “Clear safeguards and accountability are essential to encourage innovation while protecting society from the misuse of artificial intelligence.”

Jang Jong Hwan, Counsellor, Embassy of DPR Korea: “Technological advancement in cinema should serve meaningful storytelling and promote a deeper understanding of people and cultures.”

Jimy Trujillo, Second Secretary, Embassy of Peru: “Artificial intelligence offers opportunities to share cultural heritage through cinema, provided authenticity and respect remain central.”

Dr. Dilip Kumar Kowkonda, Founder, Hyderabad Smiles: “Across healthcare and cinema, artificial intelligence delivers its greatest value when guided by human expertise and responsible judgement.”

Dr. Amit Behl, Actor: “An actor’s voice, likeness and performance must be protected through informed consent whenever artificial intelligence is used.”

Aroon Bakshi, Actor and Singer: “AI can support experimentation in music and cinema, but the identity and rights of singers and performers must be respected.”

Mehul Kumar, Filmmaker and Writer: “Artificial intelligence can assist filmmaking, but the emotional truth of a story depends on the vision and judgement of its creators.”

Dipali Mathur Tayal, Miss Universe Bharat: “Responsible AI should encourage inclusive representation and protect individuals from manipulated images and misleading portrayals.”

Anoop Lather, Actor and Chairperson, Culture Council & PRO, University of Delhi: “Creative education must equip young people with both AI skills and the ethical understanding needed to use them responsibly.”

The seminar connected technological possibilities with questions of authorship, consent, cultural representation and artistic integrity. The range of perspectives highlighted the need for dialogue among creators, educators, institutions and policymakers as AI becomes more closely integrated into cinema.

The session reinforced the festival’s commitment to examining emerging developments in filmmaking and encouraging innovation grounded in respect for human creativity.

Thursday, October 8, 2026

19th Global Film Festival Noida Explores Artificial Intelligence in Cinema: Creativity, Technology and Ethics

Noida: The third session of the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City, brought together diplomats, filmmakers, actors and distinguished professionals for a discussion on “Artificial Intelligence in Cinema—Creativity, Technology and Ethics.”

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and Chancellor of AAFT University of Media & Arts, initiated the discussion, drawing attention to the opportunities and responsibilities associated with the growing use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking.

Proposed opening remarks by Dr. Sandeep Marwah: “Artificial intelligence is opening new possibilities in storytelling and film production. Our responsibility is to ensure that technological progress strengthens human creativity while respecting the rights, dignity and contribution of artists. Innovation must go hand in hand with consent, transparency and ethical practice.”

The distinguished guests included H.E. Nestor Gabriel Baltodano Vargas, Ambassador of Costa Rica; H.E. Hanisha Jairam, Ambassador of Suriname; R. S. Mishra, IAS; Jang Jong Hwan, Counsellor, Embassy of DPR Korea; Jimy Trujillo, Second Secretary, Embassy of Peru; Dr. Dilip Kumar Kowkonda, Founder of Hyderabad Smiles; Dr. Amit Behl, renowned actor; Aroon Bakshi, acclaimed actor and singer; Mehul Kumar, distinguished filmmaker and writer; Dipali Mathur Tayal, Miss Universe Bharat; and Anoop Lather, actor and Chairperson, Culture Council & PRO, University of Delhi.

The session provided a platform to examine the relationship between creative expression and technological change, placing ethical responsibility at the centre of the conversation. Its theme raised important questions about authorship, originality, the use of artists’ images and voices, and the preservation of human judgement in cinema.

The participation of representatives from cinema, education and international diplomacy gave the discussion a broad cultural perspective, highlighting the relevance of responsible innovation across borders.

Through this session, the festival reinforced its role as a forum for dialogue on the future of cinema, encouraging filmmakers and students to engage thoughtfully with emerging technologies while upholding respect for creative work.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah Honoured with Bharat Gaurav Samman for His Contribution to Indian Cinema

New Delhi: Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder of Noida Film City, President of Marwah Studios and Chancellor of AAFT University of Media & Arts, was honoured with the Bharat Gaurav Samman at the International Silver Screen Awards, held at LTG Auditorium, New Delhi. The recognition celebrated his contribution to creating and strengthening a vibrant ecosystem for cinema in North India.

Attending the ceremony as Chief Guest, Dr. Marwah presented awards to individuals recognised for their efforts to promote cinema in India. The occasion celebrated creative talent, dedication and the contributions of those working to advance the film industry.

Proposed statement by Neetu Singh, Founder and President of the International Silver Screen Awards: “Dr. Sandeep Marwah’s contribution extends across film infrastructure, production, education and the encouragement of emerging talent. We are delighted to present him with the Bharat Gaurav Samman in recognition of his sustained efforts to strengthen Indian cinema, particularly in North India.”

Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Sandeep Marwah said: “It was a pleasure to extend my support to the International Silver Screen Awards and an honour to be recognised for my contribution towards creating and strengthening a vibrant ecosystem for cinema in North India. Receiving the Bharat Gaurav Samman brings a deep sense of satisfaction.”

Through Noida Film City, Marwah Studios and AAFT, Dr. Marwah has worked to connect creative education with professional opportunities, supporting filmmakers, artists and media professionals. The honour acknowledged this continuing commitment to nurturing talent and expanding opportunities in the creative industries.

The ceremony also provided an opportunity to recognise the collective efforts of individuals whose work helps Indian cinema grow and reach wider audiences.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah Highlights Film and Cultural Tourism at ICONIC Awards on World Tourism Day

New Delhi: Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder of Noida Film City and President of Marwah Studios, attended as a special invitee at the ICONIC Awards—Travel, Hospitality, Luxury & Beyond, held at Hotel Maurya Sheraton, New Delhi, on the occasion of World Tourism Day.

The occasion brought together the interconnected worlds of tourism, hospitality and luxury, with Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) and CEO of Red Hat Communication, highlighting the significance of tourism and its expanding opportunities.

Sharing his journey, Dr. Marwah spoke about his pioneering efforts to promote Film and Cultural Tourism, a term he said he introduced 34 years ago to describe the potential of cinema, creative institutions and cultural experiences to attract visitors.

“Thirty-four years ago, we began promoting the concept of Film and Cultural Tourism when awareness of its possibilities was limited. Today, it has become an increasingly recognised part of tourism across the world. Cinema, art and culture can inspire travel, connect communities and create opportunities for education and employment,” said Dr. Marwah.

Highlighting the scale of this initiative, Dr. Marwah stated that Noida Film City has attracted a cumulative footfall of approximately 100 million people, while Marwah Studios has welcomed around three million visitors from 156 countries over the years.

“These figures reflect the extraordinary power of creative spaces to bring people together. Every visit creates an opportunity for cultural exchange, learning and a deeper understanding of India’s creative strengths,” he added.

Dr. Marwah, whose world-record achievements include recognition for his work in tourism, emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between the film, hospitality, education and tourism sectors. He called for greater attention to studio visits, film locations, festivals and cultural programmes as experiences that can enrich India’s tourism offering.

His participation at the ICONIC Awards reinforced his continuing commitment to promoting India through cinema and culture, guided by the message of “Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture.”

Dr. Sandeep Marwah Invites Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar to Inaugurate 12th Global Literary Festival Noida

Noida: Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios, Founder of Noida Film City and Chancellor of AAFT University of Media & Arts, extended an invitation to celebrated actor Shabana Azmi and renowned poet, lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar to attend as Chief Guests and inaugurate the forthcoming Global Literary Festival Noida in November.

During a warm and memorable meeting, Dr. Marwah expressed his deep respect for their remarkable contributions to Indian cinema, literature, art and culture. Javed Akhtar accepted the invitation in principle, with arrangements for their participation to be finalised.

Dr. Marwah described the meeting as a cherished occasion and a wonderful opportunity to spend time with two distinguished creative personalities whose work has inspired generations. He expressed the hope that their presence at the festival would encourage young writers, artists and students to explore the relationship between literature, cinema and society.

The forthcoming 12th Global Literary Festival Noida will celebrate the power of words, creative expression and cultural dialogue. The invitation reflects Dr. Marwah’s commitment to bringing leading voices from the arts into meaningful interaction with emerging talent and strengthening the spirit of “Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture.”