International
Accessibility takes centre Stage at the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival
Mumbai: In a special effort to take the joy of films to diverse sections of the society at the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival 2024, NFDC has partnered with Svayam, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting accessibility and inclusion, to make the MIFF venue accessible for all the cinephiles. Apart from this, there will be a special screening of four Divyangjans films/episodes on 19 June 2024 to allow persons with Disabilities to also enjoy films at MIFF 2024.
Through structural and logistic changes and identifying the best practices for accessibility standards, the partnership with Svayam is striving to make the NFDC -FD premises which is also the venue for the 18th MIFF, disabled-friendly. This initiative marks the first time in MIFF’s history that such paramount importance has been placed on venue accessibility, setting a new standard in the realm of film festivals.
As the Accessibility Partner for the upcoming week-long event, Svayam has made several efforts to ensure that MIFF 2024 is truly inclusive and accessible to all. The organisation conducted comprehensive accessibility audits of the festival venue at NFDC – Films Division premises, providing tailored solutions to enhance accessibility in accordance with universal best practices.
For the first time ever, the entire festival team will be sensitised and trained to ensure a culture of inclusivity and empathy. “This time we will not only ensure the venue is accessible to the Divyangjans but also ensure the volunteers engaged in the festival are also trained appropriately to handle the differently abled at the festival.” says Festival Director, Shri. Prithul Kumar.
Svayam also conducted an exclusive sensitization training session at the MIFF premises, on 13th June 2024. The training session engaged 120 plus organisers, including senior officials, stakeholders, volunteers, and staff members. The session focused on fostering awareness and understanding of proper etiquette and terminology to help the team especially when interacting with film lovers and attendees with reduced mobility, including individuals with hidden disabilities, pregnant women, children, and senior citizens.
The sensitization training session covered a range of topics, including: Understanding Disability; Difference between Disability and Impairment; Understanding 21 disability as per RPWD ACT 2016; Models of Disabilities; What is Barrier free environment? Types of barriers with examples; Disability Etiquettes; Using right Terminology.
Additionally, participants engaged in simulation exercises to gain firsthand insight into the barriers faced by individuals with reduced mobility, followed by interactive user group discussions to share experiences and insights.
“Accessibility is a fundamental right, and we at Svayam are committed to ensuring spaces are welcoming to all. Our collaboration with MIFF 2024 is a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity within the film festival landscape.” Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership. “By prioritizing accessibility, we are not only opening doors for individuals with reduced mobility but also paving the way for a more inclusive future where diversity is celebrated with dignity.”
Taking the effort forward, some screening at the 18th MIFF 2024 have also been designed in a manner that will allow persons with disabilities to watch and enjoy film. “The 18th Mumbai International Film Festival showcases Accessible Films. There will be films with Indian Sign Language and closed captions for the audience who have hearing disabilities and also films with audio description for the visually challenged. Also there will be a film ‘Cross Over’ with live dance using the Indian Sign language,” stated Festival Director, Shri. Prithul Kumar at the Curtain Raiser Press Conference for 18th MIFF 2024.
The special screening of Divyangjan Films will also be showcased at the Festival to allow persons with Disabilities to also enjoy films at MIFF 2024. The films are-
1. THE CROSSOVER (ISL/English – 21 minutes) by Methil Devika
The Crossover is a short film that captures a dance performance where the dancer seamlessly integrates the Indian Sign Language with the aesthetic sign language of Mohiniyattam – an Indian classical dance form of Kerala, to explicate the narrative.
2. Little Krishna (English) with Indian Sign Language by Ish
Episode 3: The Horror Cave (22 mins) and Episode 8: Challenge of the Brute (23 mins)
When Lord Krishna was enjoying his childhood pastimes with his friends in the forest of Vrindavana, a demon named Aghasura, instigated by Kamsa, appears intending to kill them all. Also in the village of Vrindavana, one demon named Arishtasura terrorizes the inhabitants, prompting them to seek protection from Krishna. Krishna confronts the demons, effortlessly defeating them.
3. Jay Jagannath (Hindi – 36 mins) by Shripad Warkhedkar
Lord Jagannath, incarnated as a child named Jagan, and his devoted follower Balaram. It explores their adventures and incorporates folktales, blending mythology and friendship narratives.
MIFF 2024’s commitment to accessibility underscores its dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can fully participate in the celebration of cinema. Joining hands with Svayam, MIFF sets a precedent for other festivals to follow, demonstrating that accessibility is not only achievable but essential for creating truly enriching experiences for all attendees.
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.
