International
Venezuelan film bags top Moscow fest award
MUMBAI: Venezuelan film Brother, on Saturday, lapped up the best film prize Golden George of the 32nd Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF).
The film that beat 16 others which participated in the main competition sector, is the story of two young football players in a Venezuelan slum.
The special jury prize Silver George was annexed by The Albanian, a feature jointly developed by Germany and Albania. Polish Jan Kidawa-Blonski was awarded the best director for his Little Rose.
While Nik Xhelilaj was adjudged the best actor for his performance in The Albanian, the best actress award was awarded to Vilma Cibulkova.
The 32nd MIFF opened last Thursday night with more than 100 films from Russia, Germany, Spain participating.
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.
