International
Temecula Fest gets underway
MUMBAI: The 16th annual Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival opened on 15 September when independent filmmakers walked the red carpet to the applause of movie buffs.
The festival will showcase more than 100 documentary, feature, animated and short films along with a performances of variety of musical groups.
The festival began with the screening of Canadian film St. Roz. That drawing Bob and Diane Franco to opening night festivities. The Francos moved to Temecula three years ago and this is the first time they have been to the festival.
The evening‘s events got under way as several dozen spectators and festival staffers lined the red carpet, and filmmakers stepped from vintage cars and spoke briefly about their films.
The festival will end on Sunday when actors Raquel Welch and Eric Roberts and singer Kenny Loggins will receive career achievement awards at the closing gala at the Pechanga Resort and Casino.
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.
