International
Frank Marshall eyes directing
MUMBAI
Koss won three gold medals at the 1994 Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway, but after retiring decided that instead of taking it easy he would found the nonprofit organization and travel around the world spreading its gospel. Right to Play, which now has scores of employees and volunteers, works on continents ranging from Africa to Europe to South America organizing sporting events and providing the means for kids to play.
Marshall has begun shooting in places such as Pakistan and plans to head soon to Africa to explore some of Koss‘ work there. Footage will include, among other things, a soccer game in the Middle East between Israeli and Palestinian clubs that are affiliated with Right to Play. The documentary should be ready in 2010, Marshall said, with plans to also shoot at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver next year.
A prolific producer behind hits like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and franchises including the Indiana Jones and Jason Bourne series, Marshall occasionally has undertaken projects as a director. Perhaps best known for the 1990 thriller Arachnophobia, he most recently helmed the Disney survival tale “Eight Below” in 2006.
ESPN‘s ambitious 30 for 30 series pairs high-profile filmmakers with sports-related passion for hour-long documentaries. Spike Lee, Pete Berg, Barry Levinson and Barbara Kopple have all previously signed on for the series, which will debut in the fall.
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.
