The 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 opened on a grand and inspiring note at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City, transforming the campus into a vibrant meeting ground for cinema, creativity, culture, and international friendship. The three-day festival was formally inaugurated by Dr. L. Murugan, Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, in the presence of an eminent gathering representing government, cinema, broadcasting, diplomacy, media, and the creative industries. Presented by the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI) in association with the International Film and Television Club (IFTC) and supported by AAFT University, the festival once again reinforced its growing stature as a major international platform connecting the creative world with cultural diplomacy.
The distinguished gathering included Gaurav Dwivedi, Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati; T. P. Aggarwal, Patron of the Film Federation of India; Sakshi Mehra, President of the Motion Pictures Association; H.E. Harisoa Lalatiana Accouche, Ambassador of Seychelles; H.E. Abdullah Mohammad A. Abushawesh, Ambassador of Palestine; Commander K. L. Ganju, Honorary Consul General of Comoros; renowned Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi; Anita Chandradath of Trinidad and Tobago; and actor and BJP spokesperson Mukesh Tyagi, along with leading personalities from the film, television, media, and cultural sectors.
Welcoming the distinguished guests, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, founder of Noida Film City, president of Marwah Studios, and festival president, described the Global Film Festival Noida not merely as a film festival but as an international movement dedicated to strengthening friendship and understanding among nations through art and culture. “The 19th Global Film Festival Noida has been designed with one powerful objective—to bring the world closer through art and culture. We strongly believe in the timeless Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. Cinema has the extraordinary ability to cross borders, touch hearts, and spread the message of love, peace, and unity,” said Dr. Marwah.
He announced an ambitious program of 52 specially curated events over three days, comprising national and international film screenings, seminars, workshops, masterclasses, exhibitions, book launches, cultural presentations, award ceremonies, and interactive sessions with leading professionals. Dr. Marwah emphasized that the festival has consistently worked to take Indian cinema to the world while bringing world cinema closer to Indian audiences, particularly the next generation of filmmakers and media professionals. “The festival creates a unique meeting point where filmmakers, artists, diplomats, educators, students, broadcasters, and industry leaders can exchange ideas, develop collaborations, and build lasting international relationships,” he added.
In his inaugural address, Dr. L. Murugan spoke about the expanding landscape of India’s media and entertainment sector and its increasing importance to the country’s economy and global cultural presence.
He highlighted the growing significance of the Orange Economy, encompassing cinema, broadcasting, animation, visual effects, gaming, digital media, music, design, and other creative industries.
The minister underlined how technological advancement, digital platforms, and changing patterns of content consumption are creating new opportunities for filmmakers, creators, entrepreneurs, and young media professionals. He also referred to the expanding international footprint of Indian cinema and encouraged young creators to embrace new technologies and global opportunities while remaining connected to India’s rich cultural traditions and storytelling heritage. One of the significant moments of the inaugural ceremony was the presentation of the Patronship of the Rashtriya Hindi Cinema Samman—National Hindi Cinema Samman to Dr. L. Murugan. Dr. Sandeep Marwah presented the patronship in recognition of the minister’s leadership and contribution towards the promotion of Indian cinema, media, and culture.
The opening ceremony reflected the larger philosophy behind the Global Film Festival Noida—using cinema as a bridge between people, cultures, and nations.
The presence of ambassadors, diplomats, filmmakers, broadcasters, artists, educators, media professionals, and students gave the inaugural session a truly international character and demonstrated the festival’s growing role in promoting cultural exchange alongside professional and academic engagement.
