International
Hollywood Foreign Press grants $10,000 to IFFLA
MUMBAI: The Hollywood Foreign Press has given a grant of $10,000 to the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) for promoting cultural exchange through films, Totally, the organisation gave away grants amounting to $1.5 million to film-related organisations and charities.
The organisations that were awarded grants in the same category as IFFLA were American Cinematheque and FilmAid International.
Leonardo DiCaprio accepted a cheque for $350,000 on behalf of the Film Foundation, founded by Martin Scorsese for the preservation and restoration of classic films.
Others who accepted donations include Mark Wahlberg, Gerard Butler, Hugh Dancy, Jessica Chastain, Kevin Bacon, Lea Michele, Taylor Lautner, Elizabeth Olsen, Yoshiki and Jim Sturgess.
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.
