Month: January 2024

Noida: The 16th Global Film Festival Noida witnessed a momentous occasion as the Cuban film “Cuentos De Un Dia Mas” received the prestigious Award of Distinction during a special screening organized in collaboration with the Indo Cuba Film & Cultural Forum.

The event, which took place on the third day of the festival, commenced with a gracious welcome extended to esteemed guests, followed by a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts, set the tone for the evening by expressing his deep admiration for Cuban films and culture. He highlighted the power of cinema in exploring diverse places and fostering cultural understanding.

H.E Alejandro Simancas Marin, the Ambassador of Cuba, graced the occasion and underscored the profound connection between nations through the medium of cinema. Ambassador Marin shared insightful perspectives on the film “Cuentos De Un Dia Mas,” directed by Fernando Perez. The film, curated during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, offers a poignant glimpse into life in Havana. Director Perez’s vision for the film goes beyond storytelling; he aims to promote Cuban tourism and draw parallels between the Indian and Cuban film industries. Perez also expressed his fondness for Bollywood during the session.

In recognition of his significant contribution to the cinematic landscape and fostering cultural ties, Festival President Dr. Sandeep Marwah presented the Hindi Cinema Samarthak Award to H.E Alejandro Simancas Marin. Additionally, the film “Cuentos De Un Dia Mas” was honored with the Award of Distinction, symbolizing its exceptional artistic and cultural merit.

Renowned Latin American journalist Olivia Rodriguez added glamour to the event with her presence, further enhancing the global appeal of the festival.

The 16th Global Film Festival Noida continues to be a melting pot of cinematic excellence, cultural exchange, and global camaraderie. The recognition bestowed upon “Cuentos De Un Dia Mas” reaffirms its status as a cinematic gem and a testament to the unifying power of storytelling.a

NOIDA: The 16th Global Film Festival, hosted by the School of Performing Arts, culminated its second day with a spectacular Bollywood Musical Nite, leaving the audience spellbound with a melange of electrifying performances.

Festival President, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, took the stage to emphasize the pivotal role of music in people’s lives, stating, “A person who doesn’t love music lacks taste. Music is a vital element that enriches emotions, transforms individuals, and brings happiness, making them stress-free.” The evening unfolded with a mesmerizing showcase of musical talents, both seasoned and budding, underlining the universal language of music.

Renowned playback singer Reema Nathane captivated the audience with a soul-stirring rendition of ‘Duma Dum Mast Kalandar,’ leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of the attendees. Actor and singer Mr. Aroon Bakshi added to the musical extravaganza with an electrifying performance that resonated with the energy of Bollywood.

The students and faculty members of the School of Performing Arts took center stage, delivering phenomenal performances that showcased their exceptional musical prowess. Dr. Sandeep Marwah, acknowledging the outstanding contributions to the world of music, felicitated Playback singer Reema Nathane, Music Composer Hriju Roy, and Pankaj Parashar with festive mementos as a token of appreciation for their invaluable contributions to the industry.

Expressing gratitude for the evening’s success, Festival Director Ashok Tyagi extended a heartfelt vote of thanks, underscoring the collaborative efforts that made the event a resounding triumph.

The Bollywood Musical Nite at the 16th Global Film Festival was a celebration of the diverse and vibrant musical landscape of Bollywood, bringing together seasoned professionals and budding talents in a harmonious symphony of entertainment.

Noida: The 16th Global Film Festival Noida witnessed a thought-provoking seminar on the “Future Prospects of Satellite Channels with the Advent of OTT Channels” on its second day. Festival President Dr. Sandeep Marwah spearheaded the discussion, shedding light on the rapid growth of Over-The-Top (OTT) channels and their profound impact on the younger generation.

The esteemed panelists, including Dr. Elena Remizova from the Russian Culture Centre Mumbai, expressed optimism for stronger ties between India and Russia, drawing parallels with the film “Pathan.” Madhura Naik emphasized the industry’s shift from satellite to OTT platforms, underscoring the convenience and transformative power of technology. Neha Mehta urged the audience to make thoughtful choices in the digital realm while staying connected to their cultural roots.

Zeenat Kureshi motivated young minds to leverage technology for positive change, and Preeti Ghai emphasized the symbiotic relationship between fashion and technology, advising cinema students to glean insights from industry professionals. Actor Radha Bhatt stressed the importance of using creative energy wisely in the age of OTT and social media. PR Guru Suresh Gaur discussed the coexistence of OTT and satellite channels, highlighting their distinct growth prospects.

Renowned personalities, including Fashion Blogger Kavita Arora, Filmmaker & Film Curator Arzat Naaz, Singer Kaka, engaged with an enthusiastic audience, sharing their insightful views on the evolving landscape of entertainment.

A poster launch for the upcoming feature film “I am Hanuman” marked a significant moment, to be produced by the American Indian Producer Trilok Malik.

The seminar concluded with Festival President Dr. Sandeep Marwah presenting festival mementos and Certificates of Excellence to Kavita Arora, Madhura Naik, Zeenat Kureshi, Radha Bhatt, Neha Mehta, and Preeti Ghai for their outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry. Festival Director Ashok Tyagi expressed gratitude through a heartfelt vote of thanks.

The 16th Global Film Festival Noida continues to be a platform for engaging discussions, fostering collaborations, and celebrating the ever-evolving landscape of the film and entertainment industry.

Noida:  The second day of the Global Film Festival Noida 2023 witnessed a captivating workshop at Marwah Studios, featuring the esteemed chief guest and accomplished filmmaker, Ms. Kala Iyer. The workshop provided a deep dive into the intricate process of film production, offering valuable insights and firsthand experiences.

Ms. Kala Iyer, a respected figure in the film industry, actively engaged with the audience, making the workshop an interactive and enriching experience for attendees. The workshop kicked off with an insightful introduction to the various stages of movie production. Ms. Iyer adeptly navigated through the pre-production phase, shedding light on critical aspects such as scriptwriting, casting, and the meticulous planning that precedes the actual filming.

During her presentation, Ms. Iyer highlighted the evolving dynamics of budgeting in the industry, emphasizing that professionals now undertake entire productions with reduced financial resources compared to earlier times. This shift in approach has paved the way for increased creativity and resourcefulness within the filmmaking process.

Moving on to the heart of filmmaking, the production phase was explored in detail. Ms. Iyer provided a comprehensive overview, discussing the on-set collaboration dynamics and the utilization of cutting-edge technology. The audience gained a profound understanding of the concerted effort and coordination required to capture a cinematic masterpiece.

The interactive session with Ms. Kala Iyer proved to be a highlight of the workshop, as students enthusiastically posed questions and received invaluable insights from the seasoned filmmaker. Discussions ranged from industry challenges to creative decision-making, offering attendees a rare glimpse into the world of persevering filmmaking.

The workshop, expertly conducted by Shashank Sharma, left the audience inspired and enlightened, fostering a newfound appreciation for the magic that unfolds behind the scenes of every film. Ms. Kala Iyer’s expertise and engaging presentation style made the event not only educational but also a source of inspiration for aspiring filmmakers.

Noida:  The 16th Edition of the Global Film Festival Noida 2023 played host to an insightful workshop shedding light on the intricacies of film censorship, conducted by Ms. Rochika Agarwal, a senior member of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The workshop aimed to deepen the understanding of the role of the censor board and the significance of various film certifications.

Ms. Rochika Agarwal, with her extensive experience, elucidated the functioning of the censor board and emphasized the importance of film certifications, ranging from Adult Only (A certificate) to U/A, highlighting the responsibility bestowed upon the board by the Government of India. She underscored that censorship is not merely a job but a societal responsibility aimed at exploring fundamental reasons behind content censorship, considering cultural, societal, and ethical perspectives.

During the workshop, Ms. Agarwal directed attention to the necessity of government certification for movies, asserting that it aligns with the broader interests of society. She elaborated on the diverse categories of film certifications that exist in the film industry, acknowledging the variations in criteria across countries and regions, ensuring content aligns with cultural and regional standards without targeting specific towns or demographics.

Addressing the film industry’s dynamics, Ms. Agarwal emphasized the dual responsibility of movie production. While films are meant to be produced, production houses must exercise moderation, especially in instances involving excessive violence or nudity. Drawing from her experience, she shared instances where production houses disagreed with censor board decisions, leading to the classification of movies under the adult category.

The workshop, hosted by Assistant Professor Shashank Sharma, provided a platform for students and enthusiasts to engage with a seasoned expert in the field. The session concluded with a memento presentation by Harsh Kumar, acknowledging Ms. Rochika Agarwal’s valuable insights and contributions to the discourse on film censorship.

The 16th Global Film Festival Noida continues to serve as a catalyst for knowledge exchange and insightful discussions on various facets of the film industry, bridging the gap between theory and practical understanding.

Noida: On the 2nd day of the 16th Global Film Festival Noida, the spotlight shone on the Vietnamese film “Yellow Flowers on Green Grass,” a poignant portrayal of brotherly love, childhood struggles, and relationships set in a poor countryside village in Vietnam during the 1980s. The film, which was selected as Vietnam’s entry for the best foreign language film at the 89th Academy Awards, received the prestigious Award of Distinction at the festival.

Distinguished guests at the event included Festival President and Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts, Dr. Sandeep Marwah; Political Counsellor at the Embassy of Vietnam, Ms. Huong Tran; Cultural Attaché at the Embassy of Vietnam, Mr. Linh; and Engineer Vikas Tomar.

Festival President Dr. Sandeep Marwah commended the film’s storytelling and screenplay, describing it as a beautiful depiction deserving of recognition. He highlighted the strong ties between India and Vietnam through the Indo-Vietnam Film and Culture Forum of ICMEI, emphasizing the role of cinema in supporting art and culture worldwide.

Ms. Huong Tran, Political Counsellor at the Embassy of Vietnam, praised the Global Film Festival as a platform that provides a significant opportunity to showcase the talent and creativity of Vietnam. She emphasized the unifying power of movies, motivating individuals to come forward and contribute to the world of filmmaking.

During the event, Engineer Vikas Tomar discussed the potential for joint film productions between India and Vietnam. He expressed his willingness to organize a workshop focused on storytelling that encompasses the rich cultural heritage of both nations.

The festival concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where the Award of Distinction and festive mementos were presented to Ms. Huong Tran, Mr. Vikas Tomar, and Mr. Linh, a diplomat from Vietnam. The ceremony celebrated the collaboration and cultural exchange fostered through the medium of cinema.

The 16th Global Film Festival Noida continues to be a global platform that not only recognizes outstanding cinematic achievements but also serves as a bridge for cultural understanding and collaboration between nations.

Noida: The 16th Global Film Festival Noida (GFFN) witnessed a compelling seminar on the “Need for Fresh Talent for the Rejuvenation of the Entertainment Industry” on its second day. Distinguished guests from various realms of the industry gathered to share their insights on the crucial role of new talent in shaping the future of the entertainment industry.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, in his enlightening address, emphasized the significance of research in cinema and the need to connect with the masses. He highlighted that cinema is created for the audience and encouraged aspiring talents to learn from the people.

Renowned Actor Ashima Kumar expressed the sentiment that while “old is gold,” new talent is “platinum,” showcasing a different and vibrant facet of the industry. She urged students to gain specialized knowledge and follow their hearts to lead fulfilling lives in the entertainment sector.

Senior Lawyer in the Supreme Court Anoop Bose shared a personal anecdote from his youth, encouraging young minds to pursue their goals with unwavering determination. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he urged them to “arise, awake, and don’t stop” until they achieve their objectives. Social worker Vinod K Choudhary also motivated young film makers and suggested that there is no alternate to hard work.

Actor Karan Razdaan acknowledged the divine nature of education and commended Dr. Marwah for his three-decade-long legacy in the field. He motivated students to embrace passion on their journey, recognizing that it would propel them to greater heights.

 Joyshree Arora advised students to remain humble despite their accomplishments and instilled enthusiasm for being part of the entertainment world. Motivational Speaker P K Rajpoot underscored the responsibility of students as future role models, urging them to learn from others and embody goodness.

Renowned Actor and Vice President of CINTAA, Deepak Kejriwal, emphasized the habit of writing for personal development, encouraging patience and aspiration. He concluded by emphasizing that true talent cannot remain hidden for long but requires the right time for unveiling.

During the session, a momentous poster launch of the Shakespeare Forum and CINTAA took place, adding an extra layer of significance to the event.

All esteemed guests were honored with certificates by Festival President Dr. Sandeep Marwah, with the vote of thanks presented by Festival Director  Ashok Tyagi, bringing the insightful seminar to a close.

Noida: The second day of the 16th Global Film Festival witnessed a celebration of cinematic excellence as films from Israel were showcased and honored with the Award of Distinction. Festival President Dr. Sandeep Marwah, underlining the robust Indo-Israel relationship through the Indo Israel Film and Cultural Forum, praised the exceptional quality of Israeli cinema, emphasizing its uniqueness and global competitiveness.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, also the Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts, expressed his appreciation for the Indo-Israel Film and Cultural Forum, a platform dedicated to fostering art and culture. He highlighted the forum’s role in organizing numerous seminars and programs that contribute to the cultural exchange between India and Israel. Dr. Marwah lauded Israeli cinema, stating that despite its size, it produces films that surpass excellence and sometimes even rival Hollywood productions.

The chief guest of the event, Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of Israel, Reuma Mantzur, addressed the audience, acknowledging the small size of the Israeli film industry while emphasizing the uniqueness and brilliance of its films. In light of the current war situation in Israel, she stated that the films screened at the festival provide a window into the lives of people living near the border, offering audiences a profound experience of their reality. Reuma Mantzur concluded her remarks by expressing the deep and enduring friendship between India and Israel.

The session featured the screening of four impactful films: “The Boy,” directed by Late Yahav, a drama about a father and son dealing with rocket attacks; “Dear God,” directed by Erez Tadmor and Guy Nattiv, a short drama and poetic exploration of Jerusalem; “Sirens,” a gripping drama and thriller centered around a coastal community facing mysterious disappearances; and “Asa Turns 13,” a short drama directed by Sali Elimelech Asa, portraying a child on the verge of celebrating his Bar-Mitzvah in Netivot, Southern Israel.

Concluding the event, Ms. Reuma Mantzur was honored with a festive memento, symbolizing the appreciation for her contribution to the cultural exchange. The films received the distinguished Award of Distinction, recognizing their excellence in cinematic portrayal and their contribution to the global film landscape.

The 16th Global Film Festival Noida continues to be a dynamic platform for celebrating diversity in cinema and fostering international collaborations.

Noida: The second day of the 16th Global Film Festival Noida (GFFN) at Marwah Studios witnessed a powerful cinematic presentation as the film “Sultan Baybars” from Kazakhstan took center stage. Festival President Dr. Sandeep Marwah, along with Mr. Adrak Kakimzhanov, First Secretary of the Embassy of Kazakhstan, graced the occasion and highlighted the significance of promoting cultural ties between India and Kazakhstan through the Indo Kazakhstan Film and Cultural Forum.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts, welcomed the audience and underscored the importance of content-driven films that carry impactful messages. He shared insights into the meticulous selection process for screenings at Marwah Studios, expressing particular enthusiasm for the Kazakhstani film “Sultan Baybars.” Dr. Marwah encouraged the audience to anticipate a unique cinematic experience that goes beyond entertainment.

Speaking about the Indo Kazakhstan Film and Cultural Forum, Dr. Marwah stated, “ICMEI has now a very powerful Indo Kazakhstan Film and Cultural Forum created with the support of the Embassy of Kazakhstan. Being the Chair, it is my duty to promote the relationship between India and Kazakhstan, and art and culture is the best way to go forward.”

Mr. Adrak Kakimzhanov, First Secretary of the Embassy of Kazakhstan, shared his delight at participating in the Global Film Festival Noida. He recounted inspiring stories about the evolution of Kazakhstan’s film industry, navigating challenges from wartime to creating cinematic marvels. Mr. Kakimzhanov emphasized the cultural bridge that cinema provides, fostering understanding and appreciation among diverse global audiences.

The highlight of the event was the screening of ‘Sultan Baybars,’ a cinematic masterpiece portraying the rulers of Egypt and their lives. The film showcased outstanding cinematography and a gripping storyline that left a profound impact on the hearts and minds of the audience. The narrative skillfully depicted the positive evolution of the world post-war, resonating with viewers on a universal level.

In a ceremonial conclusion, Mr. Adrak Kakimzhanov was honored with a festive memento, recognizing his valuable contribution to the event. The film “Sultan Baybars” received the distinguished Award of Distinction, acknowledging its excellence in cinematic storytelling and its role in strengthening cultural bonds between Kazakhstan and India.

The 16th Global Film Festival Noida continues to be a dynamic platform for celebrating global cinema and fostering international collaborations.

Noida: The 16th edition of the Global Film Festival Noida (GFFN) witnessed a compelling cinematic experience on its second day, as the Tunisian film “Look at Me,” directed by Nejib Belkadhi, took center stage. The film, which beautifully portrays the emotional journey of a Tunisian immigrant and his autistic son, earned not only the admiration of the audience but also the distinguished Award of Distinction.

Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, who is also the Chair for the Indo Tunisia Film and Cultural Forum established in collaboration with the Embassy of Tunisia in India, inaugurated the Tunisian film alongside Mr. Ali Meftahi, Deputy Head of the Mission, Embassy of Tunisia, and Professor P.K. Rajput.

“Look at Me” unfolds the poignant narrative of a small-time thug living the life of a Tunisian immigrant, whose world undergoes a profound transformation when he encounters his 9-year-old autistic son. The film resonated deeply with the audience during the screening, captivating the hearts of viewers who became emotionally invested in the story.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, in his address, spoke passionately about the cultural affinity between India and Tunisia and expressed his appreciation for Tunisian cinema. He commended “Look at Me” for its portrayal of the beautiful relationship between a caring father and his son affected by autism. Emphasizing the significance of ongoing film screenings at the 16th Global Film Festival, Dr. Marwah highlighted the commonalities and the strengthened bond between the two nations.

Mr. Ali Meftahi, Deputy Head of the Mission, Embassy of Tunisia, expressed gratitude to Dr. Sandeep Marwah for selecting “Look at Me” for the festival, underscoring the film’s positive reception among Tunisian audiences. He anticipated that the film’s success would inspire more filmmakers in Tunisia to create compelling content. Mr. Meftahi also commended Indian cinema, specifically praising the recent film “RRR.”

The event concluded with the felicitation of Mr. Ali Meftahi, who received the Award of Distinction for “Look at Me,” recognizing the film’s excellence in cinematic storytelling. Dr. P.K. Rajput was presented with a memento as a token of appreciation.

The 16th Global Film Festival Noida continues to be a platform for cultural exchange, showcasing diverse stories from around the world and celebrating cinematic excellence.