Costa Rican Ambassador H.E. Nestor Gabriel Baltodano Vargas Honoured with Hindi Cinema Samman Patronship at 19th GFFN

Noida: In a significant celebration of cinema and cultural diplomacy, H.E. Nestor Gabriel Baltodano Vargas, Ambassador of Costa Rica, was presented with the Patronship of Hindi Cinema Samman during the 19th Global Film Festival Noida 2026 at Marwah Studios, Film City, Noida.

The occasion also marked the launch of the Indo Costa Rica Film and Cultural Forum, creating a platform to encourage cooperation between the two countries through cinema, art and cultural exchange. Together, the patronship presentation and the forum’s launch highlighted the role of cinema in connecting nations and strengthening mutual understanding.

The Hindi Cinema Samman Samiti was constituted to recognise and honour individuals who have contributed to the development, promotion and wider reach of Hindi cinema. Now in its 10th edition, Hindi Cinema Samman has grown in prestige and popularity, emerging as a prominent celebration of contributions to the Indian film industry.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry and Chair of the Indo Costa Rica Film and Cultural Forum, welcomed the Ambassador’s association with the initiative. He emphasised that international participation strengthens opportunities for cultural dialogue and helps introduce Hindi cinema to wider audiences.

Dr. Marwah described Hindi Cinema Samman as one of the most prestigious and compelling highlights of the Global Film Festival Noida—a platform that celebrates achievement while encouraging a deeper appreciation of cinema’s cultural influence.

The launch of the Indo Costa Rica Film and Cultural Forum provided further momentum to this vision, opening avenues for film screenings, creative exchanges and interaction between artists, filmmakers and cultural institutions of both nations.

The ceremony reaffirmed the festival’s commitment to recognising cinematic contributions and advancing the message of “Love, Peace and Unity Through Art and Culture.”