International
Tribeca fest gets going
MUMBAI: The Tribeca Film Festival got going on Wednesday.
Talking first, festival founder Robert De Niro said that he was "changing things up this year" by deciding not to give a long speech.
Later the spotlight turned to the programmers of the festival that is entering its second decade. Talking about the 2012 slate of films, Tribeca Enterprises chief creative officer Geoffrey Gilmore remarked, "We are passionate about this year‘s program," he said.
This year‘s lineup of features has been split into three categories: ‘Spotlight‘ films, including Morgan Spurlock‘s Mansome and Julie Delpy‘s 2 Days in New York; ‘Viewpoint‘ films, that consists films such as Justin Benson‘s Resolution and Daniel Schechter‘s Supporting Characters; and "Cinemania" films, that comprises various international favorites like Magnus Martens‘ Jackpot and Ron Morales‘ Graceland.
The festival has got 5,950 submissions this year, the most in its history.The Tribeca Film Festival runs through 29 April.
International
Russia-India cinematic spectacle Persimmon of My Love set for grand Moscow debut
Hindi cinema style musical revives Indo-Soviet cinema ties for today
MUMBAI: A new chapter in cross-border storytelling is set to unfold as Persimmon of My Love gears up for its premiere in Moscow on 1 April 2026, marking the first large-scale cinematic collaboration between Russia and India in decades.
Positioned as a modern nod to the cultural exchange that once brought Indian classics to Soviet audiences, the film blends Hindi cinema flair with Russian storytelling, aiming to rekindle a long-standing cinematic friendship.
Directed by Marius Weisberg, the musical comedy follows two brothers navigating a lively world of music, family and romance. The lead roles are played by Demis Karibidis and Mikhail Galustyan, with Karibidis also contributing as a screenwriter.
Shot entirely in India, the production leans heavily into Hindi cinema style spectacle. Filming took place across Mumbai studios and the cities of Udaipur and Jodhpur, whose architecture was used to create the fictional setting of Khurmada. A crew of over 350 worked on the project, with large-scale sequences featuring up to 1,000 extras.
The film also brings Indian creative talent into the mix. Dance sequences are choreographed by Jay Kumar, while music by Zurab Matua features songs in both Hindi and Russian, adding to its cross-cultural appeal.
Backed by TNT channel, MyWayStudio and the Russian Cinema Fund, the project reflects a broader push to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
With its mix of colour, comedy and cross-border collaboration, Persimmon of My Love is not just a film release but a reminder that cinema, much like music, travels well across borders.
