Noida, 13 December 2025: The 18th Global Film Festival Noida (GFFN) 2025, hosted by AAFT, commenced at the iconic Marwah Studios, Film City Noida, with extraordinary energy, global participation, and a distinguished lineup of eminent personalities.
Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of AAFT and the Global Film Festival, formally opened the event, proudly announcing it as “the biggest academic film festival of the world,” adding another milestone to AAFT’s illustrious journey.
The inaugural ceremony brought together towering figures from cinema, international diplomacy, culture, and industry, making it one of the most impressive festival openings ever curated by an educational institution.
Mrs. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, Environmentalist, Former Union Minister and Founder of People for Animals, addressed the gathering with a powerful speech on the newly introduced CINEKIND Award, an initiative aimed at promoting kindness, compassion, and humane storytelling in cinema. Deeply moved, T.P. Agarwal remarked, “I have never seen a festival of this magnitude and splendour in any institution worldwide. It is impossible for any institution to match this scale.”
Padma Shri Madhur Bhandarkar, acclaimed National Award–winning filmmaker, offered his sincere appreciation to AAFT for shaping creative talent and contributing to the future of Indian filmmaking. Sunita Ahuja, social media influencer and wife of Bollywood icon Govinda, admired the energy of the campus and expressed her amazement at the scale of AAFT on her first visit.
Indian film industry leaders praised the festival for its forward-looking approach: Abhay Sinha, President IMPPA & President Elect FFI (2026), commended the festival’s global outlook and AAFT’s long-standing leadership in film education. Firdausal Hasan, President FFI, conveyed his pride in AAFT and Marwah Studios. Sakshi Mehra, President MPA, emphasized that “Marwah Studios is an industry in itself.” Tushar Amrish Goel, Director The Taj Story, applauded the professionalism and passion reflected in the festival. Mukesh Tyagi, Actor & BJP Spokesperson, acknowledged the festival’s vital role in fostering emerging filmmakers.
A strong international diplomatic presence elevated the global stature of the event. H.E. Juris Bone, Ambassador of Latvia, inaugurated the Indo-Latvia Film and Cultural Forum, calling it a “historic and visionary step.” H.E. Alberto Antonio Guani, Ambassador of Uruguay, praised Dr. Marwah’s global cultural endeavours. H.E. Karlito Nunes, Ambassador of Timor-Leste, expressed joy at witnessing such a large cultural phenomenon. Cdr. K.L. Ganju, Hon. Consul General of the Union of Comoros, remarked that “miracles happen at Marwah Studios every time I visit.”
Other distinguished attendees included G.D. Mehta and Rajinder Singh of MPA, renowned actor Arjan Bajwa, Nishant Ujjwal of IMPPA, Inga Skruzmane, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Latvia, Faisal Mahmud, Press Minister, Bangladesh High Commission, Metsing Ediel Lemphane, Counsellor, High Commission of Lesotho, Ms. Nohely Salinas Gonzalez & Ms. Ediza Marlene Jimenez Moreno from the Embassy of Panama, and Mr. Ibrahim Besthawi, Counsellor, Embassy of the State of Palestine.
The festival campus buzzed with colour, energy, and creativity as thousands of students, cinephiles, professionals, and international delegates gathered to celebrate global cinema.
Over its dynamic three-day schedule, the festival presents:
* 52 curated events
* Screenings of films from India and around the world
* Workshops and masterclasses by leading filmmakers
* Seminars, interactive discussions, and cultural showcases
* Exhibitions and engaging creative sessions
With its unmatched scale and rich programming, the 18th GFFN stands tall as one of the most impactful and culturally diverse film festivals across the globe.
For nearly 18 years, the Global Film Festival Noida has been a significant connector between global cinema and academia, reinforcing India’s role as a rising cultural powerhouse. The 2025 edition reasserts AAFT’s dedication to world-class education, creative excellence, and international cultural collaboration.
The festival continues to enlighten, motivate, and spark creative passion—cementing AAFT’s position as a global frontrunner in film and creative arts education.
Film Director Ashok Tyagi, also Secretary General of ICMEI, concluded the ceremony with a heartfelt vote of thanks.