Dr. Sandeep Marwah Inaugurates the 16th Indian Film Festival of Ireland in Dublin with Great Splendor. Dublin, Ireland – The city of Dublin came alive with colours of India as Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios, Chancellor of AAFT University, and Chair of the Indo-Ireland Film and Cultural Forum, inaugurated the 16th Edition of the Indian Film Festival of Ireland (IFFI) amidst great excitement, energy, and cultural pride.
The grand inauguration was graced by Hon. Jim Gildea, Mayor of the City, along with celebrated actor Javed Jaffrey, who brought a wave of enthusiasm and nostalgia to the festival. The festival was hosted under the dynamic leadership of Siraj Zaidi, Festival Director of IFFI, who has been instrumental in establishing the festival as a key cultural bridge between India and Ireland.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Marwah said: “Indian cinema is not just entertainment; it is an emotion, a global ambassador of our culture and values. The Indian Film Festival of Ireland has become a powerful platform to celebrate this art form while deepening the friendship between India and Ireland. It is my honour to inaugurate this 16th edition and witness such love for Indian cinema in Dublin.”
Hon. Jim Gildea, Mayor of Dublin, praised the festival for strengthening cultural diplomacy: “This festival not only brings Indian cinema to Ireland but also builds bridges of understanding, respect, and collaboration between our peoples.” Actor Javed Jaffrey, in his vibrant style, said: “Cinema has the power to unite audiences across languages and borders. I am delighted to see the passion of Ireland for Indian films and grateful to be part of this celebration.”
Festival Director Siraj Zaidi remarked: “For 16 years, IFFI has been a symbol of cultural exchange and friendship. With the support of visionaries like Dr. Marwah, we continue to grow stronger each year, celebrating India’s cinematic brilliance with Irish audiences.”
The festival saw the presence of eminent personalities including Naved Jaffrey, Keshavi Jaharia (actress from the Netherlands), Nukul Wali (Government Official, Dublin), Sanjo Mulavarical, and Cliona Buckley, who added to the vibrancy of the evening. The 16th Indian Film Festival of Ireland opened to cheers, cultural pride, and boundless energy, reaffirming its role as one of the most important celebrations of Indian cinema in Europe.
