International
Oliver Stone to judge online video festival
MUMBAI: Director Oliver Stone known for his box office hits like Platoon, Natural Born Killers and Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps will judge a unique online video festival conceived and run by vzaar. the leading business online video hosting platform.
Stone, one of major shareholders of vzaars, is looking forward to reviewing entries in various categories and select the Best Business Online Video 2011. The festival was launched on 23 May on the vzaars website.
Says Stone, “I make films like you’re going to die if you miss the next minute.” How will he feel about your video?”
“This is an extremely exciting project we are anticipating a high volume of entries from our global user base,” Stephen McCluskey, CEO of vzaar has been quoted to have said.”Well be on the look out for outstanding style, original ideas and, above all, the best example of video being used to its maximum potential for commercial ends,” he conyinued.
Videos submitted to the vzaar video festival will be viewed and short-listed for each of the following categories: best product/service video, best video by a Creative Agency, and most creative use of video online. The entry that would be judged the best of the bunch across all categories will win the ‘Best Online Video 2011 Award’.
The competition is open to all vzaar customers, be you a media and communications company, marketing agency, e-commerce business or non-profit organization.
Vzaar is the leading online video hosting platform for eCommerce sites of all sizes and market segments. Founded in 2007, vzaar has its Headquarters in London.
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.
