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| 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.
