Seminar on “Indian Cinema and Its Growing Global Influence” at 19th Global Film Festival Noida. October 2026: A thought-provoking seminar on “Indian Cinema and Its Growing Global Influence” brought together distinguished personalities from cinema, music, fashion, art, culture, industry, and international diplomacy during the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 at Marwah Studios, Film City, Noida.
The seminar provided an engaging platform for exchanging ideas on the expanding international reach of Indian cinema and its role in strengthening cultural diplomacy, promoting international relations, and building bridges between nations through creative collaboration.
The distinguished speakers included Dr. Dipti Dhillon, Physician and Cosmetology Expert; Dipinder Singh, Fashion Designer and Celebrity Stylist; Prof. Madhu Khanna, Art and Culture Historian; Ankita Pathak, Renowned Singer; Kunal Wason, Sufi Singer, Performer and Lyricist; Pankuj Parashar, Renowned Film Director; Suchitra Pillai, Renowned Actor; Manu Rishi and Sharib Hashmi, Renowned Actors; Deepak Jain, President, Federation of Indian Industry; and H.E. Ms. Nadeska Imara Cuthbert Carlson, Ambassador of Nicaragua.
Initiating the conversation, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios, Founder of Noida Film City, and President of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), highlighted the growing significance of Indian cinema as a global cultural force. He spoke about the importance of international partnerships and informed the gathering about the 97 Film and Cultural Forums through which he has been working to strengthen relationships between India and other countries through cinema, art, and culture.
The participants shared their experiences, professional insights, and perspectives on how cinema can contribute to international understanding, cultural exchange, tourism, creative industries, and diplomatic engagement. The discussions reflected the importance of bringing together filmmakers, performers, historians, designers, industry representatives, and diplomats to explore new avenues of global cooperation.
The seminar also highlighted the power of Indian films, music, fashion, and artistic traditions to communicate India’s cultural identity to international audiences while creating opportunities for collaboration with creative communities around the world.
The programme included the presentation of festival mementos to the distinguished participants in recognition of their presence and contribution. An interactive question-and-answer session followed, with members of the dignified audience from India and abroad engaging with the speakers and contributing to the discussion.
Dr. Sandeep Marwah emphasised that cinema extends beyond entertainment and serves as a powerful instrument of cultural diplomacy, capable of connecting nations, encouraging dialogue, and fostering mutual respect. The seminar was an important feature of the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to promoting Indian cinema internationally and advancing the vision of “Love, Peace and Unity Through Art & Culture.”