International
Chicago real estate developer gifts 1,088 orginal film posters to Academy
MUMBAI: A Chicago real estate developer has gifted more than 1,000 original movie posters from the golden era of Hollywood to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The posters document the studio era of “B” movie filmmaking in the first half of the 20th century and include a variety of genres like westerns, war films, musicals, biblical tales and films regarding social problems.
“The 1,088 posters were donated to the Academy by Dwight Cleveland, a Chicago real estate developer, who continues to collect even today,” said the Academy in a statement.
“B-movies tap into the public consciousness and provide rich fodder for better understanding the times,” observed Academy Library Director Linda Mehr while Anne Coco, the Herrick‘s graphic arts librarian called it as a “dream” gift.
“Not only was it very well organized, but the posters also were in excellent shape. Our staff is fairly certain he was a librarian in another lifetime,” she said.
It may be noted that Cleveland began collecting posters in 1977 while still in high school after being inspired seeing film posters in an art teacher‘s classroom. “I really think that film posters are one of the very few truly indigenous art forms of our country. By making these gifts, I hope to excite an appreciation for the works themselves among members of the general public and also set a good example for other collectors,” he observed.
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.
