International
French distributor Philippe Hellmann expires
MUMBAI: Philippe Hellmann who founded the French distribution company and UGC PH has expired. However, no cause of his death was announced. He is survived by his wife Marianne and his children.
Hellmann served as president of UGC PH, wich is an independent distributor and international co-producer.
His colleagues at UGC PH said, “We are all profoundly affected by this sudden loss. He was a friend and an amazing person to work with. Philippe had dedicated his life to the cinema, with talent and passion. He especially contributed to the renown of the Italian, British and independent cinema in France, and he accompanied directors and films with delicacy and dedication.”
Hellmann was also owner and manager of the famed Grand Rex cinema in Paris.He recently served as producer of Lisa Cholodenko‘s acclaimed The Kids Are All Right.
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.
