16th GFFN
Indulge your taste buds and embark on a culinary journey around the globe with the International Cuisine Showcase presented by students from the School of Hospitality and Tourism (SOHT) at the 16th Global Film Festival Network (GFFN). Prepare to tantalize your senses as our talented SOHT students whip up a delectable array of dishes representing diverse cultures and cuisines featured in films from around the world. From savory delights to sweet temptations, this gastronomic extravaganza promises to delight food enthusiasts and film aficionados alike. Join us as we celebrate the intersection of culinary arts and cinematic excellence at the 16th GFFN’s International Cuisine Showcase, where every bite tells a story.
Noida: The third day of the 16th Global Film Festival witnessed an enlightening workshop on the significance of makeup in cinema, organized by the School of Fashion and Design. Renowned makeup artist Sonali Gupta graced the event, offering students valuable insights into the art of makeup for the silver screen.
Festival President of GFFN, Sandeep Marwah, expressed the crucial role of makeup in cinema, citing its benefits in achieving better visuals, developing authentic characters, and enhancing the overall cinematic experience.
During the interactive session, film delegates enthusiastically posed questions about the essential considerations before applying makeup to a character. Sonali Gupta emphasized that makeup serves as the character’s second skin, enhancing facial features that may be washed out by multiple lights when in front of the camera.
Highlighting the importance of makeup, Gupta conveyed that it plays a pivotal role in character identification and brings characters to life on screen. The workshop featured a live demonstration, allowing students to grasp the intricacies of makeup application. Gupta delved into the nuances of color corrections in makeup, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the art.
The event was not only informative but also interactive, providing students with a hands-on experience of the makeup application process. Concluding the workshop, a vote of thanks was extended by Harsh Sharma of AAFT, expressing gratitude to Sonali Gupta for sharing her expertise. To commemorate the occasion, a festive memento was presented to Sonali Gupta, acknowledging her contribution to the education and understanding of makeup in the world of cinema.
AAFT at the 16th Global Film Festival Noida continues to be a beacon of knowledge, bringing industry experts and students together to foster learning and excellence in the field of filmmaking.
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 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.
Noida: The 16th edition of the Global Film Festival Noida (GFFN) showcased the rich cultural exchange between India and Georgia through the Indo-Georgia Film and Cultural Forum, an initiative by ICMEI- International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry in collaboration with the Embassy of Georgia. The festival took a momentous step in promoting artistic ties between the two nations by presenting an Award of Distinction to the feature film “Citizen Saint” from Georgia.
Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Festival President and Chancellor of AAFT University of Media & Arts, expressed his delight in fostering strong cultural bonds between India and Georgia through various activities initiated by the Indo-Georgia Film and Cultural Forum. He noted, “We have been trying our best to have a large number of activities to show that we are best friends.”
Lasha Jaoaridze, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Georgia, extended gratitude to the 16th Global Film Festival for providing a platform to showcase the Georgian film and bringing the rich cultural heritage of Georgia closer to India.
The spotlight of the first day of the festival was on the Georgian film “Citizen Saint,” directed by Tinatin Kajrishvili. The film unfolds the intriguing narrative of a saint’s statue on a cross in a Georgian mining town that mysteriously vanishes when a stranger appears. The superstitious residents, interpreting the disappearance as a divine occurrence, believe the saint is now among them. The film features a talented cast including Levan Berikashvili, George Babluani, and Mari Kitia.
The screening of “Citizen Saint” left film enthusiasts, cinephiles, and aspiring filmmakers thrilled, providing them with a unique glimpse into the cultural tapestry of Georgia.
In recognition of the film’s excellence, Dr. Sandeep Marwah presented an Award of Distinction to Lasha Japaridze, Charge d’Affaires Embassy of Georgia, during a ceremony at the festival. The prestigious award was accompanied by a festival memento, symbolizing the festival’s acknowledgment of outstanding contributions to global cinema.
The 16th Global Film Festival Noida continues to be a dynamic platform for cultural exchange, celebrating the diversity and creativity of filmmakers from around the world.
Noida: The 16th edition of the Global Film Festival Noida (GFFN) witnessed a groundbreaking seminar, “Growing Importance of Women in Global Cinema,” held at Marwah Studios. Festival President and Chancellor of AAFT University of Media & Arts, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, set the stage for an enlightening discourse on the evolving role of women in the film industry.
The esteemed guests for the seminar included Ambassador of Panama H.E. Yaseil Burillo, Renowned Producer Mr. Boney Kapoor, Member of Parliament Lok Sabha Jagannath Sarkar, Renowned Makeup Artist Divya Behl, Social Media Blogger Pavleen Gujral, Innovative Speaker Amrit Kumar Dev, Renowned Director Soham Sham, Director of NSD Chittranjan Tripathy, Music Composer Abraham Kumar, and Festival Director Ashok Tyagi.
Dr. Sandeep Marwah opened the seminar by emphasizing the transformative power of films, citing the selection of 18 films from 18 diverse countries during GFFN 2023 as an enlightening experience akin to a comprehensive course in art and culture. He eloquently drew parallels between women and deities, underscoring the societal shift towards gender neutrality and highlighting the historical reverence for women in Indian civilization.
Renowned Film Producer, Boney Kapoor, traced the industry’s evolution from men playing feminine roles to female Oscar winners, showcasing the monumental strides made by women in cinema. Makeup Artist Divya Behl shared her inspiring journey from challenging beginnings to representing India at Cannes Fashion Week, exemplifying resilience and creativity.
Influencer Pavleen Gujral praised the evolving landscape of the film industry, acknowledging the increased participation of women in Bollywood. Innovative Speaker Mr. Amrit Kumar Dev stressed the importance of nurturing talent, especially among female students, emphasizing the need for inclusivity.
Director Soham Sham shared his experiences with influential actresses, providing insights into the changing dynamics of the film industry. Actor Mr. Chittranjan Tripathi drew parallels between realistic acting and feminine entities from the Natyashastra, enriching the discourse with artistic perspectives.
Ambassador of Panama H.E. Yaseil Burillo addressed the growing presence of women in the Indian cinema industry, while MP Jagannath Sarkar highlighted women’s contributions to “Natya kala,” urging cinema to portray women as heroes.
On this momentous occasion, the newsletter “CineFiesta” was released by the dignitaries, prepared by the students of AAFT School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The event also featured the launch of Mr. Soham Shah’s book, ‘Blood Moon,’ adding a literary dimension to the celebration of women in global cinema.
In a symbolic gesture, Festival President Dr. Sandeep Marwah presented festival mementos to the dignitaries, marking a memorable celebration of women’s contributions to the global cinematic landscape. The Global Film Festival Noida 2023 continues to be a beacon of creativity, inclusivity, and appreciation for the diverse talents that contribute to the cinematic world.
Noida: The 16th Global Film Festival Noida (GFFN) witnessed a captivating workshop on “Music Video” by the accomplished Author, Filmmaker, International Motivational Speaker, Senior Life Coach, and TV Panelist, Ms. Pallavi Prakash. The interactive session provided students with valuable insights into the world of music videos, shedding light on the procedural intricacies involved in crafting impactful musical productions.
Ms. Pallavi Prakash, a stalwart in the industry, focused on the portrayal of women empowerment in music videos, actively engaging with students and guiding them on the production nuances. The workshop emphasized the incorporation of aesthetic elements essential for creating memorable music videos, and Ms. Prakash shared her expertise on considerations crucial for pre-production planning.
Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Festival President, took the opportunity to introduce the AAFT School of Performing Arts, highlighting that the making of music videos is an integral part of the students’ cinema curriculum at AAFT. The festival provided a platform for students to delve into the significance of music videos in shaping cultural narratives.
Pallavi Prakash, during the workshop, addressed the pivotal role of cross-cultural music videos in influencing global culture. The session concluded with Ms. Prakash expressing appreciation for the film festival and congratulating the students for their ongoing success and achievements.
As a token of gratitude, Ms. Pallavi Prakash was presented with a memento from the 16th Global Film Festival Noida 2023, acknowledging her significant contribution to the workshop and the festival.
The 16th Global Film Festival Noida continues to be a melting pot of creativity, providing a platform for industry veterans, budding filmmakers, and students to collaborate, learn, and celebrate the magic of cinema.
NOIDA, 7th Dec.2023 – In a momentous celebration of cinematic excellence and cultural diplomacy, 16th Global Film Festival Noida proudly presented the Award of Distinction to the distinguished film “The Inner Glow.” The accolade was conferred by Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor of AAFT University and President of the Global Film Festival, in the presence of a captivated audience comprising filmmakers, film enthusiasts, and students from across India and around the globe.
The event, held at Marwah Studios, showcased the vibrancy and diversity of Venezuelan cinema, with “The Inner Glow” standing out as one of the three films selected for special recognition as part of the Focus Country Venezuela segment. Her Excellency Capaya Rodriguez Gonzalez, the esteemed Ambassador of Venezuela to India, graciously accepted the Award of Distinction on behalf of the talented filmmakers behind “The Girls Squad.”
The Indo Venezuela Film and Cultural Forum (IVFCF), established in 2016 under the aegis of ICMEI, has been instrumental in fostering meaningful cultural exchange between India and Venezuela. Dr. Sandeep Marwah expressed his satisfaction at the collaborative efforts, stating, “IVFCF has been our steadfast partner in all Global Film Festivals, and we are proud to witness the success and recognition that Venezuelan cinema has garnered on this prestigious platform.”
Ambassador Capaya Rodriguez Gonzalez conveyed her gratitude to the Global Film Festival Noida (GFFN) for designating Venezuela as the Focus Country. She expressed confidence in the power of cinema to facilitate cultural exchange and strengthen bilateral relations between Venezuela and India.
“The Inner Glow” and the other Venezuelan films showcased during the festival were lauded for their cinematic excellence, and Ambassador Capaya Rodriguez Gonzalez predicted that these films would play a pivotal role in fostering cultural ties and enhancing relations between the two nations.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to promoting cultural ties, Dr. Sandeep Marwah conferred upon Ambassador Capaya Rodriguez Gonzalez the prestigious Hindi Cinema Samman, the most prestigious national award for the promotion of India-Venezuela relations, particularly in the realm of art and culture. A memento of the festival was also presented to the Ambassador as a token of appreciation.
The event was graced by the presence of Alfredo Caldera, Cultural Counsellor at the Embassy of Venezuela, and Rojyar Seyeddi, Counsellor at the Embassy of Venezuela, further enhancing the celebration of Indo-Venezuelan cultural collaboration.
The Award of Distinction to “The Inner Glow” marks a significant milestone in the cinematic journey of Venezuela, reaffirming the power of films to transcend borders and unite diverse cultures through the universal language of storytelling.