Indian Cinema Has the Potential to Become a Global Leader, Says Dr. Sandeep Marwah at 19th Global Film Festival Noida

Indian Cinema Has the Potential to Become a Global Leader, Says Dr. Sandeep Marwah at 19th Global Film Festival Noida

Noida Film City: The concluding seminar of the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 brought fresh energy, enthusiasm, and meaningful discussions to the festival campus at Marwah Studios, Film City, Noida. Titled “Indian Cinema: Becoming a Leader of World Cinema,” the seminar brought together an impressive gathering of diplomats, cine stars, filmmakers, actors, singers, writers, entrepreneurs, and digital content creators to deliberate on the growing global influence of Indian cinema.

The distinguished panel included H.E. Armando Pedro Muiuane Junior, Ambassador of Mozambique; Vindu Dara Singh, cine star; Mike Berry, renowned filmmaker associated with Universal Studios, USA; Ishtiak Khan, renowned actor; Shadab Nizami of the popular Nizami Bandhu; Snehill Mehra, writer, director, and actor; Harkirat Singh Lall, filmmaker and founder of HSL Studios; Nanda Yadav, actor, producer, and performer; Kashishh Rajput, renowned actor; Heena Panchal, renowned actor; Payal Borbora, founder and director of Casa Curate; Bhawna Aggarwal, digital creator; Nupur Agarwal, lifestyle content creator and entrepreneur; Rohit Choudhary, entrepreneur, actor, producer, and fitness enthusiast; and Manisha Singh, TEDx speaker and celebrity fitness and lifestyle coach.

Each participant shared valuable perspectives on the subject, highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing Indian cinema as it expands its presence across international markets. The discussions explored the importance of compelling storytelling, creative excellence, technological advancement, international collaborations, professional training, digital platforms, and the ability of Indian films to connect with audiences across cultures.

The speakers emphasized that Indian cinema possesses enormous strengths, including its rich cultural heritage, diversity of stories, talented artists, technical expertise, musical traditions, and expanding international reach. They also highlighted the need to embrace innovation, strengthen global partnerships, develop new talent, and produce content that can appeal to audiences worldwide while retaining its distinctive Indian identity.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and Festival President, said that Indian cinema has all the potential to emerge as a leading force in world cinema. He emphasized that the future of the industry depends on its ability to combine India’s cultural richness with international standards of filmmaking, modern technology, professional excellence, and powerful storytelling.

Dr. Marwah further stated that platforms such as the Global Film Festival Noida provide valuable opportunities for filmmakers, artists, students, and international delegates to exchange ideas, build professional relationships, and explore new avenues of cooperation. He reiterated that cinema is not merely a medium of entertainment but also a powerful instrument of cultural diplomacy, international friendship, economic growth, and global understanding.

He added that the participation of distinguished personalities from different professional backgrounds reflected the growing significance of cinema as a collaborative industry, connecting filmmaking with music, fashion, lifestyle, entrepreneurship, digital media, and creative education.

The concluding seminar added another significant dimension to the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026, reinforcing its commitment to promoting Indian cinema internationally and creating meaningful opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and the next generation of creative professionals.

The festival concluded this session with renewed optimism about the future of Indian cinema and its potential to achieve a stronger leadership position on the world stage.

Dr. Illa Kravchenko and Anastasia Kravchenko of Russia Cultural House Honoured at 19th Global Film Festival Noida

Dr. Illa Kravchenko and Anastasia Kravchenko of Russia Cultural House Honoured at 19th Global Film Festival Noida

Noida Film City: Dr. Illa Kravchenko, Chief Specialist Expert, and Anastasia Kravchenko, representing Russia Cultural House, were honoured with Festival Mementos during the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 at Marwah Studios, Film City, Noida, in recognition of their participation and contribution to strengthening cultural connections between India and Russia.

The honour highlighted the significance of the Indo-Russia Film and Cultural Forum, an initiative of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), dedicated to promoting friendship, cultural exchange, and cooperation between the two nations through cinema, art, education, and creative activities.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of ICMEI and Founder of Noida Film City, said, “India and Russia share a longstanding friendship built on mutual respect, cultural understanding, and cooperation. Cinema, art, and culture have always played an important role in bringing our people closer. Through the Indo-Russia Film and Cultural Forum, we are committed to creating more opportunities for filmmakers, artists, students, and cultural organisations from both countries to interact, collaborate, and develop lasting partnerships.”

Dr. Illa Kravchenko expressed her appreciation for the recognition and highlighted the importance of cultural cooperation in strengthening relations between India and Russia. She emphasised the value of initiatives that encourage dialogue and exchange between people from different cultural backgrounds.

Anastasia Kravchenko also appreciated the platform provided by the Global Film Festival Noida, noting the importance of cultural events in promoting international friendship and creating opportunities for greater engagement between the creative communities of the two countries.

The Festival Mementos were presented to Dr. Illa Kravchenko and Anastasia Kravchenko by Shri Tirath Singh Rawat, former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and National Senior Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, filmmakers, diplomats, and members of the media fraternity.

The recognition reaffirmed the commitment of ICMEI and the Global Film Festival Noida to strengthening international cultural relations and expanding cooperation among nations through the universal language of cinema.

The initiative reflects the guiding philosophy of ICMEI: “Love, Peace and Unity Through Art & Culture.”

Dambudzo Miga of the Embassy of Zimbabwe Honoured with Festival Memento at 19th Global Film Festival Noida

Dambudzo Miga of the Embassy of Zimbabwe Honoured with Festival Memento at 19th Global Film Festival Noida

Noida Film City: Dambudzo Miga, representing the Embassy of Zimbabwe, was honoured with the Festival Memento during the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 at Marwah Studios, Film City, Noida, in recognition of his participation and support for strengthening cultural relations between India and Zimbabwe.

The occasion highlighted the importance of the Indo-Zimbabwe Film and Cultural Forum, an initiative of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), aimed at promoting bilateral cooperation through cinema, art, culture, media, and education.

Speaking on the occasion, Dambudzo Miga appreciated the efforts to strengthen India–Zimbabwe relations through cultural diplomacy and emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for greater interaction between the creative communities of the two countries.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of ICMEI and Founder of Noida Film City, said, “Zimbabwe and India share tremendous potential for cultural collaboration. Cinema, art, and culture are powerful instruments for bringing nations closer and developing lasting friendships among people. Through the Indo-Zimbabwe Film and Cultural Forum, we aim to encourage exchanges between filmmakers, artists, media professionals, and educational institutions, creating new avenues for mutual cooperation.”

The Festival Memento was presented to Dambudzo Miga by Shri Tirath Singh Rawat, former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and National Senior Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, filmmakers, diplomats, and members of the media fraternity.

The recognition formed part of the international celebrations at the 19th Global Film Festival Noida, which brought together prominent personalities from cinema, diplomacy, culture, and the creative industries.

The initiative reflects ICMEI’s continued commitment to strengthening international relationships through cultural forums and advancing its guiding philosophy of “Love, Peace and Unity Through Art & Culture.”

Jagmohan Anand Honoured with Hindi Cinema Samman Gaurav Award at 19th Global Film Festival Noida

Jagmohan Anand Honoured with Hindi Cinema Samman Gaurav Award at 19th Global Film Festival Noida

Noida Film City: Jagmohan Anand, renowned sound designer, was honoured with the prestigious Hindi Cinema Samman Gaurav Award during the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026, held at Marwah Studios, Film City, Noida, in recognition of his valuable contribution to Indian cinema and the field of sound design.

The award was presented by Shri Tirath Singh Rawat, former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and National Senior Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, filmmakers, diplomats, and members of the media fraternity.

Congratulating Jagmohan Anand on the honour, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and Founder of Noida Film City, said, “Sound design is an integral part of filmmaking. It adds depth, emotion, realism, and impact to cinematic storytelling. The contribution of talented sound designers like Jagmohan Anand is essential to the growth and excellence of Indian cinema. Recognising such professionals through the Hindi Cinema Samman Gaurav Award is our way of celebrating the creative talent that works behind the scenes to make films memorable.”

Jagmohan Anand expressed his gratitude for receiving the award and acknowledged the importance of recognising the contribution of technical and creative professionals who work tirelessly to enhance the quality of Indian cinema. He appreciated the initiative to honour individuals whose work plays a significant role in the filmmaking process.

The Hindi Cinema Samman is an initiative dedicated to acknowledging outstanding contributions to Hindi cinema and celebrating the personalities who have enriched the industry through their creativity, dedication, and professional excellence.

The presentation of the Hindi Cinema Samman Gaurav Award at the 19th Global Film Festival Noida further reinforced the festival’s commitment to honouring talent across all aspects of filmmaking and promoting the rich legacy of Indian cinema.

The festival continues to bring together eminent personalities from India and abroad, strengthening the role of cinema as a medium of cultural exchange, creative expression, and international friendship.

Alieu M. Massaquoi of Liberia Embassy Honoured with Global Film Festival Noida Memento

Alieu M. Massaquoi of Liberia Embassy Honoured with Global Film Festival Noida Memento

Noida Film City: Alieu M. Massaquoi, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Liberia, was honoured with the Festival Memento at the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026, held at Marwah Studios, Film City, Noida, in recognition of his presence and support for strengthening India–Liberia relations through cinema and cultural diplomacy.

Speaking on the occasion, Alieu M. Massaquoi highlighted the friendly relations between India and Liberia and appreciated the initiative to launch the first-ever Indo-Liberia Film and Cultural Forum by the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), in association with the Embassy of Liberia. He emphasised the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration in bringing the people of both nations closer together.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of ICMEI and Founder of Noida Film City, said, “India and Liberia have tremendous opportunities to strengthen their relationship through films, art, culture, media, and education. The launch of the Indo-Liberia Film and Cultural Forum is a significant step towards creating a sustainable platform for collaboration between the two countries. We are committed to using the power of cinema and cultural diplomacy to promote friendship, mutual understanding, and international cooperation.”

The Festival Memento was presented to Alieu M. Massaquoi by Shri Tirath Singh Rawat, former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and National Senior Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, filmmakers, diplomats, and members of the media fraternity.

The honour formed part of the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026, which continues to serve as an international platform for promoting cinema, cultural understanding, and creative partnerships among nations.

The occasion reaffirmed ICMEI’s commitment to strengthening international relations through its cultural forums and advancing its guiding philosophy of “Love, Peace and Unity Through Art & Culture.”

Indo-Liberia Film and Cultural Forum Launched at the 19th Global Film Festival Noida

Indo-Liberia Film and Cultural Forum Launched at the 19th Global Film Festival Noida

Noida Film City: In a significant step towards strengthening cultural diplomacy and promoting international collaboration through cinema, the first-ever Indo-Liberia Film and Cultural Forum was launched by the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), in association with the Embassy of Liberia, during the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 at Marwah Studios, Film City, Noida.

The launch marked a new chapter in India–Liberia relations, bringing the two nations closer through the shared mediums of cinema, art, culture, education, and creative exchange. The forum aims to encourage collaborative filmmaking, cultural programmes, exchange of artists and filmmakers, and stronger people-to-people connections between India and Liberia.

Speaking on the occasion, Alieu M. Massaquoi, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Liberia, appreciated the initiative and highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural relations between the two countries. He expressed optimism that the forum would create new opportunities for collaboration between the creative communities of India and Liberia and promote mutual understanding through films and cultural activities.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of ICMEI and Founder of Noida Film City, said, “The launch of the Indo-Liberia Film and Cultural Forum is an important milestone in our efforts to connect nations through art and culture. Cinema is a universal language that transcends geographical boundaries and brings people together. Through this forum, we look forward to developing meaningful partnerships between India and Liberia in filmmaking, media education, cultural exchange, and creative industries. Our mission remains to promote Love, Peace and Unity Through Art & Culture.”

The launch took place in the distinguished presence of eminent personalities from politics, cinema, diplomacy, photography, business, and the creative industries. The gathering reflected the international character of the Global Film Festival Noida and its commitment to fostering global friendships through cinema and cultural engagement.

The distinguished personalities who graced the occasion included Shri Tirath Singh Rawat, former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and National Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party; Padma Shri Naresh Bedi, renowned filmmaker and wildlife photographer; H.E. Mr. Fernando Xavier Bucheli Vargas, Ambassador of Ecuador to India; H.E. Mr. Alonso Correa Miguel, Ambassador of Panama to India; Rakesh Bedi, renowned actor; Aanand Mahendroo, screenwriter, director and producer; Shashi Ranjan, film producer and director; Vaibhav Maitrey, Vice President of Media at Home and Soul; Veronika Huseynli, President of Beauty Queen of the Universe Company, UAE; Pankuj Parashar, renowned filmmaker; Judson Wendell Andy, Liberian-American entrepreneur, business leader and policy advocate from the USA; S. N. Sinha, renowned photojournalist; and Jagmohan Anand, renowned sound designer.

The establishment of the Indo-Liberia Film and Cultural Forum reinforces ICMEI’s ongoing commitment to building bridges between nations through cinema, media, education, and cultural diplomacy. The initiative is expected to open new avenues for bilateral cooperation and provide a platform for filmmakers, artists, students, and cultural organisations from both countries to work together.

The 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026, organised at Marwah Studios, Film City, Noida, continues to bring together international delegates, diplomats, filmmakers, artists, and media professionals, reaffirming the power of cinema as a medium of global friendship and understanding.

Veronika Huseynli, President of Beauty Queen of the Universe Company, UAE, Felicitated at 19th GFFN

Veronika Huseynli, President of Beauty Queen of the Universe Company, UAE, Felicitated at 19th GFFN

Noida, Film City: Ms. Veronika Huseynli, President of Beauty Queen of the Universe Company, UAE, attended the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 at Marwah Studios, Film City, Noida. Her presence highlighted the growing connections between cinema, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and international cultural exchange.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Veronika Huseynli shared her perspective on the importance of international platforms that bring together creative professionals from different countries. She highlighted the potential for greater collaboration between the beauty, fashion, entertainment, and film industries, emphasising the role of such initiatives in promoting talent, creativity, and cross-cultural understanding.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder of Noida Film City and President of Marwah Studios, welcomed Ms. Huseynli and spoke about the importance of connecting the film industry with fashion, lifestyle, and other creative sectors. He emphasised that international participation in cultural events creates opportunities for professional interaction, new partnerships, and the promotion of artistic excellence across borders.

Dr. Marwah said, “Film, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle are interconnected parts of the global creative economy. Bringing professionals from these sectors together helps generate new ideas, encourage collaboration, and strengthen cultural relations among nations. The Global Film Festival Noida provides an important platform for such meaningful exchanges.”

As a mark of appreciation for her participation in the festival, Ms. Veronika Huseynli was presented with the Festival Memento by Shri Tirath Singh Rawat, Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and Senior National Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in the presence of distinguished guests, filmmakers, artists, and media professionals.

The 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 continues to bring together personalities from India and abroad, celebrating cinema while encouraging dialogue across diverse creative industries. The festival promotes international friendship, professional networking, and cultural understanding through films and artistic expression.

Through this initiative, Dr. Sandeep Marwah reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening global creative partnerships and promoting international harmony under the guiding motto of “Love, Peace and Unity Through Art & Culture.”