International
DIFF and Cairo Fest to strengthen Arab film industry
MUMBAI: The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has alligned with the Cairo International Film Festival to further strengthen the Arab film industry.
Basically aimed at lending momentum to regional film production, DIFF will partner the Cairo Film Festival through a collaboration of co-production markets of the two festivals.
DIFF‘s successful co-production market, Dubai Film Connection (DFC) – established in 2007 will partner with the newly formed Cairo Film Connection to provide Arab filmmakers access to potential financial and infrastructure support as well as valuable industry connections.
With the new partnership, filmmakers can apply to both DFC and Cairo Film Connection for support in realizing their film projects. DIFF will award a selected project from Cairo Film Connection and invite the selected filmmaker to attend DIFF to explore further funding opportunities there through meetings with established industry players who attend the festival.
The Dubai Film Connection offers directors of Arab origin more than US$120,000 in prize money and invaluable industry connections. The co-production market also matches the short-listed director/producer teams with specialists in film production, sales, distribution and funding to further their projects.
The seventh edition of Dubai International Film Festival 2010 will be held from 12 to 19 December.
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.
