Indo DPR Korea Film and Cultural Forum bringing India-North Korea culturally closer

NOIDA (INDIA): In a remarkable display of strengthening bonds between India and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) through cultural diplomacy, the newly formed Indo DPR Korea Film and Cultural Forum has taken many initiatives to bring the people of two countries closer through art and culture. Chaired by Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT) president Dr. Sandeep Marwah, the Indo DPR Korea Film and Cultural Forum together with ICMEI with the support of the embassy of North Korea, has started creating avenues in India to make the Indian people familiar with the culture of North Korea.

It all started in March last year when the Indo DPR Korea Film and Cultural Forum was launched by Choe Hui Chol the Ambassador of DPR Korea who nominated Sandeep Marwah as the Chair of the Forum. A MOU was signed by ICMEI and the Korea Film Agency which will be producing films as a joint venture. Three documentaries were also screened at the 11th Global Festival of Journalism in 2023 namely Songam Caves, Rimyongsu Falls and Children’s Dreams and Mother’s happiness.

On this occasion, Choe Hui Choi Ambassador of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to India was presented with Patronship of newly formed Indo DPR Korea Film and Cultural Forum. Since then, the forum has not only offered scholarships to the students of North Korea, it also screened Korean films and showcased North Korean traditional dresses during its events in New Delhi

“Practice Makes Man Perfect – and Dr. Sandeep Marwah is the perfect person to Chair the newly formed Indo DPR Korea Film and Cultural Forum here at the 11th Global Festival of Journalism Noida 2023. His experience will help all of us to promote art and culture of both the countries,” said Choe Hui Choi Ambassador of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to India while handing over the certificate of Chairmanship to Dr. Marwah.

Dr. Marwah who is also the ICMEI  founder as well as that of Marwah Studios, Film City in Noida, Uttar Pradesh is the only personality in the world who has been nominated chair of cultural forums by 72 countries. He has created such forums with countries like Afghanistan, China, Myanmar, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and others.

“I have given the world a slogan ‘Love Peace and Unity through Art & Culture’ which is now very popular globally and widely accepted. With this the Asian countries to begin with started appreciating my work. We set up Noida Film city where we have been able to make more than 30 lakhs people from 156 countries visit Marwah Studios during 7500 events, so almost all Asian countries people have reached here at least once. Any country which part of Asia, is a part of my vision and mission. It may include Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Japan, South and North Korea, China, West and Central Asia and even Cypress I said it is part of Asia,” Dr. Sandeep Marwah said in an interview with Asian Community News (ACN) Network.

In August, the ICMEI in partnership with the Indo DPR Korea Film and Cultural Forum, presented scholarships to deserving students from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea).

The scholarships offered an opportunity for these students to pursue short-term courses of three month at the prestigious Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT) in India without any ost to the students. The ceremonial presentation took place in the presence Choe Hui Choi the Ambassador of DPR Korea to India, at the Marwah Studios in Noida Film City.

Dr. Marwah said that the ICWEI started giving scholarships to Uzbekistan asking it to send its students to give free media education here. He told ACN Network, “So far, we have offered scholarship to the students of 196 countries, and we gave it to DPR Korea also. Generally the beneficiary students come after getting visa for three months. Such students become our ambassadors as they learn about Indian culture, start speaking basic Hindi language and greet people with Namaste and promote our culture in their respective countries.”

He said the forum has done many film festivals with these countries. Recently it projected north Korean dresses in fashion show and also films during the film festival.

In January this year, the Indo DPR Korea Film and Cultural Forum, in collaboration with the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), achieved a significant milestone in cultural diplomacy by showcasing a diverse range of international films at the prestigious Global Film Festival Noida. The event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Choe Hui Chol, Ambassador of DPR Korea to India, and Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Embassy of Morocco, Kamal Marzouka.

The highlight of the festival was the screening of the Short Korean films- “Share My Future to Myself” & “Pyongyang Bell”. Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor of AAFT University and President of the Festival, emphasized the historical ties and shared passion for cinema between India and Korea during the event.

Expressing his gratitude, Ambassador Choe Hui Chol stated, “Indo DPR Korea Film and Cultural Forum is the first creative organization created by the Embassy of DPR Korea in India, and we are happy to be associated with ICMEI for promoting cultural ties between DPR Korea and India.” He also expressed his appreciation for the Indian film industry, showcasing his love for Bollywood.

When asked about his future plans with DPR Korea, Dr MArwah said the Forum would enhance cultural exchanges initiatives through events such as literature, film festival, journalism, fashion week, and other by involving country’s ambassador, diplomats, or residents of North Korea in India.