International
Gulf Film Festival 2010 honours distinguished Arab actors
MUMBAI: The third edition of Gulf Film Festival (GFF) will honour three legends with lifetime achievement awards.
Emirati actress Raziqa Al Taresh, Iraqi actor and playwright Khalil Shawki and Kuwait‘s actress Hayat Al Fahad will receive the honours when the festival opens on 8 April.
The three-some join the league of Kuwaiti director and producer Khalid Al-Siddiq, renowned UAE writer Abdel-Rahman Saleh and veteran Bahraini filmmaker Khalifa Shaheen, who were honoured by the GFF last year.
Said GFF Festival Director Masoud Amralla Al Ali, “The emergence of a powerful television and film industry in the Gulf region owes to the contribution of immensely talented and creative individuals who braved odds to pursue their passion. Raziqa Al Taresh, Khalil Shawki and Hayat Al Fahad have all blazed a trail in their own right, and in doing so, serve as an inspiration for young film talent.”
“These distinguished artists have devoted their careers to enhancing the Arab film industry. They set in stone the foundation for Arab talent and paved the way for regional and global recognition for Arab cinema. Dubai and the Gulf Film Festival are privileged to honour them, “Al Ali added.
The Gulf Film Festival is supported by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and held in association with Dubai Studio City.
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.
