The annual African Film Festival kicked off in Nairobi, marking its largest edition with participants from 43 countries. Filmmakers are focusing on themes of identity, innovation, and climate change.
Organisers highlighted a growing shift toward streaming partnerships and pan-African co-productions. Cultural commentators noted that African cinema is emerging as both an artistic and economic force within the global film ecosystem.
A seasoned diplomat and thought leader, Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar served as India’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Sweden and Latvia during an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the Indian Foreign Service. Widely respected for his insight on global affairs, trade policy and strategic diplomacy, he has represented India with distinction across Washington D.C., Moscow, Brussels and Geneva. Currently President of the Institute of Global Studies and Distinguished Fellow at the Ananta Aspen Centre, he continues to be a guiding voice in fostering dialogue, peace and international cooperation.
Founder of Noida Film City and Marwah Studios, Dr. Sandeep Marwah is the visionary President of AAFT—ranked among the world’s top ten film schools. With ten world records and over 1,500 national and international honours, he has produced the largest number of short films globally and trained more than 36,000 students from 145 countries. As Chancellor of AAFT University and President of the International Chamber of Media & Entertainment Industry, Dr. Marwah also serves on several national boards and committees under key Indian ministries. Recognized as Cultural Ambassador by 90 countries, he continues to champion global cooperation through art, culture, and media.
