International
History teams up with Aniboom for animation contest
MUMBAI: History is launching an animation contest for its People Speak project; the winner gets a development deal.
The network will team with online animation community Aniboom, challenging animators to create interpretations of 10 readings and musical performances in History‘s upcoming film The People Speak.
Animators will attempt to bring to life readings by such actors as Matt Damon, Sandra Oh, Josh Brolin and Morgan Freeman, who are giving voice to the experiences of Americans who have changed the course of history.
The competition will be in two stages, beginning with a call for entries starting July 15 based on 10 celebrity recordings in the film. Five finalists will be granted a chance to further develop their entries and might have their work featured on History. The grand-prize winner will receive additional on-air promotion, a cash prize and a development deal with the network.
History has dabbled in animation before, but the Aniboom project represents a potential for a notable increase in the use of the medium to bring historical events to life.
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.
