International
Academy invokes tough campaign regulations
MUMBAI: With campaigning for the 84th Academy Awards starting to heat up, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has issued tough new campaign regulations that restricts what events filmmakers may participate in.
The Academy also issued a stern warning that it is extending its existing ban on negative campaigning to cover social media platforms. Explaining the reason for the new regulations, Academy COO Ric Robertson has been quoted a s saying, “It‘s really a perception problem for us.The Oscars are about what our members see on screen and think is quality work. To the extent that the public dialog about the Oscars is who threw a good party or ran a successful campaign versus the quality of the work, that‘s off-point for us. We want people to be taking about the work.”
There are no restrictions on screening events — Q&As and receptions — before nominations are announced on 24 January. Understandably, many of the promotional events that studios will be having in December will not be affected.
Hence, after the nominations are revealed and until final ballots are due on Feb. 21, the restrictions kick in. Receptions will not be permitted after screenings, although there are no restrictions on the total number of screenings per film.
Individual filmmakers may take part in no more than two panel discussions on behalf of a given film to which Academy members are invited. (That filmmaker, though, still would be free to participate in a WGA or DGA event.)
Additionally, between the nomination announcements and the final vote, Academy members may not be invited to or attend any non-screening event that promotes or honors a nominated movie or individual.
Nominees themselves are also barred from attending such events. However, the Academy‘s own events as well as awards ceremonies held by the guilds, critics‘ groups and other organizations are exempted.
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.
