International
MGM ups Ottinger to head Intl. TV distribution
MUMBAI: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) has promoted Chris Ottinger as President of International Television Distribution and Acquisitions. In his new role, Ottinger will oversee all of the studio’s international TV distribution and acquisitions activities, working closely with teams in Los Angeles, London and around the world.
Ottinger previously served as executive vice president, Worldwide Television for the studio. In his current role at MGM, Ottinger oversaw the studio’s international pay television business and was responsible for closing pay television output deals in Italy, France, Germany, Poland and Central Europe.
Additionally, he supervised MGM’s television production and development activities and was responsible for shows including Teen Wolf on MTV and Mildred Pierce on HBO in addition to managing a development slate of over 15 projects.
Ottinger re-joined MGM in 2007 from Fox where he served as executive vice president for Fox World and Fox Television Studios International overseeing over 30 format productions per year and overseas production studios in India, France, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
Prior to that, Ottinger served as senior vice president, business development and co-production for Paramount International Television.
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.
