International
Jere Hausfater resigns as Essential CEO
MUMBAI: After working as CEO for Essential Entertainment, Jere Hausfater has stepped down from the organisation.
John Fremes has taken over as president of worldwide distribution before the American Film Market (AFM). It is understood that Hausfater is likely to serve as a consultant.
A statement from Essential Entertainment read, “We acknowledge and appreciate Jere‘s contribution to Essential over the past three years, and look forward to a continued relationship with him as a consultant and valued advisor to our team.
“Recently, Essential has made soon to be announced investments, specifically in television production, and we are looking at further expansion in other media ventures. I have full confidence in the existing management team, and am excited about the future of Essential.”
Hausfater was the former executive vice-president of Miramax International and head of worldwide sales and acquisitions at Intermedia. He served as a longtime senior executive at Buena Vista International.
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.
