International
Algerian film Masquerades to release in Dubai on 3 June
MUMBAI: Algerian film Masquerades that made a name in the international film circuit bringing much credence to Algerian cinema, is set to release in Dubai on 3 June. It will play till 16 July.
Produced and directed by Lyes Salem, the film was Algeria‘s official Oscar entry under the Best Foreign Film category. Masquerades, which premiered at the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) in 2008, also won the Muhr Arab Award and the Fipresci Award under the category of ‘Best Film‘.
Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said that the screening of Masquerades in Dubai was arranged after a growing demand from discerning moviegoers for the internationally acclaimed cinema.
The film is the story of Mounir who lives with his family in the heart of the Algerian Aures. An arrogant man, he has only one dream: to finally be appreciated by his fellow citizens. He adores his sister Rym, who falls asleep anywhere and whom the village is convinced will end up a spinster. A Masquerades underscores the triumph of hope.
Incidentally Masquerades won the ‘Grand Prize‘ at the Fameca Festival; the Grand Prix at The Arabian Sights Film Festival of Washington DC; The Golden Hawk at the 9th Arab Film Festival Rotterdam; the ‘Special Jury Award‘ at the Beirut International Film Festival and the Grand Festival Prize for the Best Female Performance (Rym Takoucht) at the Festival Vues d‘Afrique Montreal, Canada.
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.
