International
Rescheduling of Rome Fest’s dates pushed back
MUMBAI: After problems with the plan arose in recent days, plans to delay the International Rome Film Festival to late November may be put on the back burner till next year.
The plan to change Rome’s dates so that the festival could serve as a mid-way point between the end of the Toronto Film Festival in September and February’s Berlin Film Festival was the idea of former Venice Film Festival artistic director Marco Mueller, who is expected to take up position as Rome fest’s new artistic director soon.
But the plan has run into road blocks including scheduling conflicts with the Parco della Musica venue that is the centerpiece of the festival and a plea from officials at the Turin Film Festival, where its 30th edition is set to take place from 25 November to 3 December.
Italian newspapers reported that Turin mayor Piero Fassino asked Rome counterpart Gianni Alemanno to postpone the change in dates for the Rome festival until next year to which the latter agreed.
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.
