International
Durban Film Festival concludes
MUMBAI: The 31st Durban International Film Festival concluded on 1 August. The festival that started from 22 July picked Iranian film The White Meadows as the best film.
Directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, the film was lauded by the International Jury as a timeless and poetic narrative. “The film conjures up a landscape that is visually stunning and intriguing because it is both harsh and beautiful. It is an enigmatic and poignant political allegory and takes the viewers through a journey on life‘s fundamental questions and beliefs,” the jury said. The Best Feature Film award carries a cash prize of R50,000.
The Best South African Feature Film was awarded to Oliver Schmitz‘s Life, Above All. Calling it a beautifully filmed and masterfully edited film with astounding performances, the jury highlighted the film‘s “universal resonance.” A cash prize of R25,000 was awarded to the film.
Thirteen year old Khomotso Manyaka who played the role of Chanda in the film was named Best Actress by the International Jury. “It was a natural and touching performance that movingly portrays the resilience, determination and integrity of her character,” claimed the jury.
The Best First Feature Film award went to Peepli Live directed by Anusha Rizvi. “Peepli Live is an ambitious and well-realised film that deals with serious political issues in a witty and entertaining manner. It creates an enchanting world of colourful characters, images and music that engrosses viewers throughout,” the jury noted.
The International Jury comprised producers Aihara Hiromi (Japan) and Christoph Thoke (Germany) and South African academic, writer and producer Bhekizizwe Peterson.
The jury awarded the Best Director award to Debra Granik for the US film Winter‘s Bone. “The director‘s vision shows a remarkable attention to the details that make up all the aspects of production, resulting in an intensely atmospheric and sensitive film,” the jury commented.
The best documentary award went to a UK/Brazil co-production Waste Land directed by Lucy Walker, Joao Jardim and Karen Harley. The documentary was also voted ‘Audience Choice Best Film by the DIFF audiences and additionally it was also awarded the Amnesty International Durban Human Rights Award that is awarded to the documentary film that best reflects human rights issues. The award carries a cash prize of 2500 euros.
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.
