International
44th WorldFest of Houston invites entries
MUMBAI: The annual WorldFest of Houston- International Film and Video festival has opened its doors for entries for its 44th edition that will be held from 8 to 17 April, next year. The early bird discount deadline for submission of entries is 15 November 15 while the main entry deadline is 15 December.
WorldFest, the emphasis of which will continue to be on American and International independent feature films will screen 55 to 60 feature films and 100 short films in its 2011 edition. The festival will offer competition in several categories like TV production, documentary, corporate & business films, student & experimental, TV commercials, film & video production, music videos, new media and unproduced screenplays.
The last edition of the festival received more than 4,500 entries from 37 countries while it organised 12 major competitions in more than 200 categories.
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.
