International
Forest Gump, The Kid set to be preserved
MUMBAI: Washington-based Library of Congress has announced that 1994‘s smash hit Forrest Gump starring Tom Hanks is among the 25 films that have been chosen to be preserved in the National Film Registry this year.
Among the films are two films The Cry of the Children and A Cure for Pokeritis, both made in 1912. Another film from the silent era is Charlie Chaplin‘s first full-length feature The Kid.
Under the terms of the National Film Preservation Act, the Librarian of Congress names 25 films those are ‘culturally, historically or aesthetically‘ significant every year. This year as many as 2,228 films were nominated.
“These films are selected because of their enduring significance to American culture,” Librarian of Congress James H. Billington said in a statement.
“Our film heritage must be protected because these cinematic treasures document our history and culture and reflect our hopes and dreams,” he added.
Also in the list are the animated Disney classic Bambi, The Big Heat, The Silence of the Lambs, The 1953 made War of the Worlds will also be preserved along with Porgy and Bess, Stand and Deliver and John Ford‘s epic Western The Iron Horse.
Lesser known films were chosen for their significance to the art. Among these are A Computer Animated Hand by Pixar Animation Studios co-founder Ed Catmull.
Making into the list will also be notable documentaries like Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment, Growing Up Female and The Negro Soldier.
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.
