International
Kabar award to screenwriter James Schamus
MUMBAI: The 53rd annual San Francisco International Film Festival will present its Kabar Award for excellence in screenwriting to Focus Features CEO and co-founder James Schamus on 29 April.
The fest also plans to screen the new director‘s cut of Ang Lee‘s Ride with the Devil.
The award, named in honor of Maurice Kanbar, a longtime member of the board of directors of the San Francisco Film Society, will be presented by John Waters.
“The 2010 Kanbar Award highlights the writing accomplishments of a man with a uniquely multifaceted career as a writer, producer, executive and scholar,” said SFFS director of programming Rachel Rosen, “We‘re pleased to be able to honor James Schamus, who appreciates, as does Maurice Kanbar, the essential role that screenwriting plays in the genesis of a great film.”
The Film Society‘s Youth Education programme will be the beneficiary of the black-tie fundraiser chaired by Carla Emil and Rich Silverstein and honorary chairs Penelope Wong and Timothy Kochis.
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.
