18th Global Film Festival Noida 2025 Opens with Latvian Film “Soviet Milk,” Celebrating Global Cinema and Cultural Diplomacy. Noida, India: The 18th Global Film Festival Noida (GFFN) 2025 commenced on a powerful and inspiring note at the iconic Marwah Film City, Noida, with the screening of the acclaimed Latvian feature film “Soviet Milk,” directed by renowned filmmaker Inara Colman. The opening film set the tone for a truly international celebration of cinema, culture, and creative dialogue.
The festival was formally inaugurated by H.E. Juris Bone, Ambassador of Latvia to India, along with Firdausul Hassan, President of the Film Federation of India (FFI), in the distinguished presence of Ms. Inga Skruzmane, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Latvia. Their participation highlighted the growing cultural cooperation and strong diplomatic ties between India and Latvia through the medium of cinema.
Announcing the first film of the festival, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder of Noida Film City, President of the Festival, and Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts, elaborated on the vision and expansive scale of GFFN 2025. He spoke about the festival’s academic strength, global reach, and its role as a vibrant platform for filmmakers, students, artists, and thinkers from across the world. Dr. Marwah emphasized that the festival stands as a symbol of unity, knowledge-sharing, and creative excellence, proudly recognized as the biggest academic film festival in the world.
Addressing the audience, H.E. Juris Bone shared insightful remarks on the film “Soviet Milk,” its historical and emotional depth, and its relevance in portraying human resilience and social realities. He also underlined the importance of cultural exchange through cinema and spoke warmly about the strengthening relations between India and Latvia, expressing appreciation for India’s growing engagement with world cinema.
The opening ceremony of GFFN 2025 reflected the festival’s commitment to global storytelling, cultural harmony, and meaningful international collaboration, marking a grand beginning to days filled with films, discussions, workshops, and celebrations of cinematic art from across the globe.