International
Connery voices for Scottish CGI film
MUMBAI: The Sonoma International Film Festival, that runs from 11 to 15 April, will host the US premiere of Sir Billi, the first full-length animated feature produced entirely in Scotland.
Said festival director Kevin McNeely in a statement, “We are thrilled to host the U.S. premiere of Sir Billi featuring the powerfully dynamic voice of Sir Sean Connery.”
The highlight of the film is that it has Sir Sean Connery doing the voice over of the title role, a skateboarding grandfather and veterinarian trying to save the last beaver in Scotland with the help of his goat Gordon voiced by Alan Cumming. Sascha Hartmann has directed the CGI project from a screenplay written by his wife Tessa Hartmann.
“Tessa and Sascha Hartmann have produced a highly entertaining, family oriented film that sizzles with fun, non-stop action and an awesome title track sung by Dame Shirley Bassey, which was composed by Sascha. Bring on the Scots!,” added McNeely.
Averred Conneryin a reported message, “”I‘m excited to be a part of this incredible film and Scotland‘s first animated feature,” said Connery. “Sir Billi is truly a first-class film, with an exceptional cast, and is sure to delight audiences of all ages. There‘s an incredible amount of work that goes into animated productions and I am delighted that Sascha and his team have completed what has been a labour of love.”
Sir Billi will screen at the 1930s Renaissance-style Sebastiani Theatre April 13.
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.
