International
Only Distrib Steals the Show with a Bold and Diverse MIPCOM Line-Up
MUMBAI: MIPCOM 2025 just got a little more daring and a lot more diverse. Only Distrib is heading to Cannes armed with over 100 hours of brand-new programming that promises to both provoke thought and spark conversation across genres like documentary, factual entertainment, and lifestyle.
The distributor’s slate features stories that range from the spine-chilling to the socially daring. Among the biggest head-turners is Vanished: Victoria Charlton Investigates (12×21’), a gripping true-crime series led by the popular Youtuber and investigator Victoria Charlton, who reopens cold cases of mysterious disappearances.
Wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to Animals Inside Out: Attack & Defense (2×52’), a visually stunning exploration of nature’s most ingenious survival tactics. Meanwhile, Hope (6×52’) steps into climate storytelling with a dose of optimism, examining tangible ways humanity can fight climate change.
And then there’s the show that’s sure to get people talking Hey, Check Out My Penis (1×45’). Bold, unflinching, and unashamedly topical, the documentary dissects the modern-day phenomenon of unsolicited explicit images with honesty and nuance, promising an intelligent take on a taboo subject.
Beyond its ready-to-air slate, Only Distrib is also inviting co-production and pre-sale partners to join in on projects still in development and production. One such title, Fletcher Street produced for France Télévisions’ 25 Nuances de Doc tells the moving story of an 18-year-old African American man who finds purpose and peace among Philadelphia’s community of Black cowboys, bonding with his first horse as he reclaims his sense of belonging.
Only Distrib head of sales and acquisitions Laurène Voilliot summed up the ambition behind the line-up: “Our goal is to bring compelling, original voices and high-quality productions to the international market. This year’s MIPCOM marks a major step forward in both the volume and diversity of our catalogue.”
With a line-up that ranges from gripping investigations to cultural reckonings, Only Distrib seems poised to make more than just a splash at MIPCOM, it’s bringing waves of originality to global storytelling.
Would you like me to make the headline a bit more playful (for instance, “Only Distrib Goes All In at MIPCOM with a Reel Bold Slate”)?
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.
