International
Tokyo Fest honours ex-Pusan fest chief
MUMBAI: Kim Dong-ho, till recently head of Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) has been given a friendship award by Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) for his contributions to the film industry in Asia and support of the Tokyo festival.
Following the screening of Camellia, a special invitation film in the Winds of Asia- Middle East section, the award was given by TIFF and TIFFCOM chairman Tom Yoda to honour Kim’s 15-year tenure as head of PIFF.
Camellia, a three-segment omnibus about romance in Busan, was screened as the closing film at the 15th PIFF on Oct. 15. The omnibus by three directors from Korea, Thailand and Japan, is a part of the Pusan Promotion Project, lead by Kim.
“Even before I assumed the post of chairman at TIFF, Mr. Kim Dong-ho, festival director of PIFF, had supported TIFF,” Yoda said adding, “He has watched over our film festival with deep friendship. I feel that we are extremely fortunate to have a great friend like him.”
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.
