International
Zanzibar film fest from 10 July
MUMBAI: Tanzania’s Zanzibar International Film Festival scheduled from 10 to 18 is expected to attract films from 43 countries.
With Hopes in Harmony as its theme, the film fest calls for peace and harmony in Zanzibar and provides an opportunity for all the country’s people to have a look at these films for free on a big screen.
The opening film of the fest is I Bring What I Love that takes the audience behind the scenes and into the world of Africa‘s most famous musician Youssou N‘dour.
Among the special highlights this year is the world Cup final late 11 July at the old fort.
Many of the films to be shown at the festival highlight every day life of women in the society, according to a press release of the film fest. It also includes performing arts, which is a street theatre component.
The film festival is seen by the government as a symbol of enhancing Zanzibar’s culture and acts to propagate Zanzibar tourism thus enabling more tourists to visit Zanzibar and boost the Zanzibar economy.
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.
