International
MPI Media Group acquires North American rights of A Bag of Hammers
MUMBAI: MPI Media Group has acquired the North American rights of a new offbeat comedy-drama, A Bag Of Hammers, a co-production of Manor Film, Two Ships and Locomotive.
The distribution deal was negotiated by, of MPI Media Group executive vice president, Greg Newman and Josh Braun of Submarine. “We consider ourselves very lucky to have found A Bag of Hammers,” stated Newman. “Brian Crano and his remarkable cast have crafted a unique film whose mixture of comedy and poignancy will move all who see it,” he added.
A Bag Of Hammers stars Jake Sandvig and Jason Ritter as Alan and Ben, slacker buddies who run a valet-parking scam to steal cars. Their lucrative operation, however, is threatened when a stressed-out single mom moves in next door with her street-smart young son. When Alan’s sister notices that the boy is being neglected, she calls child protective services which sets off a chain of startling events that will change everyone’s lives.
The cast also includes Todd Louiso and Gabriel Macht. The film has been written by director Crano and Sandvig.
Founded in 1976, Chicago-based MPI Media Group remains one of the largest independent entertainment companies producing and distributing a compelling slate of the world’s most respected cinema, documentaries, performances and television programmes.
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.
