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| 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.
