International
Series Mania announces official dates for 2021 and launches three new initiatives
MUMBAI: Series Mania founder and general director Laurence Herszberg today announced the confirmed dates for Series Mania’s 2021 edition. Set to take place in Lille, France and the Hauts-de-France region, the Series Mania Festival is set for 19 to 27 March and the Series Mania Forum, to be held in the Lille Grand Palais, is set for 23 to 25 March. As one of the largest international events exclusively dedicated to series returns with a new ambition to make Series Mania a permanent tool for the promotion of series creation, Series Mania has developed three new initiatives.
"In recent years, we have seen a major evolution in the audiovisual fiction landscape. First, is the significant increase in the volume of series. Second, is the emergence of new working methods resulting from the Covid2019 pandemic which have both reinforced festivals as essential events and ‘rendezvous’, but also confirmed the importance of online tools. Finally, is the need expressed by the audiovisual sector to bring forward new voices, new talent and new projects,” said Herszberg.
In order to meet these new challenges, Series Mania is proud to announce the following new initiatives:
The launch of the Series Mania Label
Throughout the year, the Series Mania team watches hundreds of new series coming from all over the world. Going forward on a permanent basis, Series Mania will offer its recommendations to the public through its digital presence and online video content, as well as the organization of premiere screening year-round in Lille. The selected festival-supported series will be awarded the Series Mania Label with the aim of developing their notoriety and visibility.
The expansion of Series Mania Digital
Expanding on the Series Mania Digital Forum, which was successfully launched earlier this year, Series Mania will now come forward with an expanded digital platform where it will be possible to follow the evolution of projects and talent selected by the Series Mania Forum, as well as to access exclusive content (webinars, training courses, and more) and an international network of contacts. Beginning in September, Series Mania Digital will become a year-round initiative to encourage projects in development, through a lively and interactive networking platform. This digital platform will bring together members of the industry to strengthen networking links initiated in previous editions.
And finally, the unveiling of the Series Mania Institute, a training venue for tomorrow’s European talent
Since its creation, Series Mania has positioned itself as a true "talent scout” for new creators, in particular through the scriptwriting residencies hosted by Series Mania Forum: UGC Writers Campus, SeriesLab (a TorinoFilmLab initiative), and the Israel-France Co-Writing Residency (initiated by the CNC and Gesher Multicultural Film Fund). In order to identify as early as possible new international talent, and to develop European creative networks, the festival is today launching the Series Mania Institute. Set to be housed in Lille, its mission will be to reinforce the training of European professionals in the field of series and audiovisual content, based on three fundamental axes:
– Gathering international know-how in the field of series scriptwriting in order to create tomorrow's European network of creative talent
-Unifying all professions of the series industry, including scriptwriters, directors, producers and broadcasters, in order to have them develop a cohesive working culture
– Encouraging the emergence of new talent from a diversity of backgrounds and origins
The Series Mania Institute will be organised in partnership with La Fémis (supported by the CNC) and the Hauts-de-France Region and will offer several training courses for different audiences beginning in 2021. Further information and names of more partners will be released later this fall.
“We are pleased to contribute to the development of a European-ambitioned initiative in the area of series professionals,” says La Fémis MD Nathalie Coste-Cerdan. “The Series Mania Institute is in line with what we think is needed for specific teaching on the serial genre and for European professionals to share their know-how.”
“Series Mania Lille-Hauts-de-France made the region a permanent crossroads for audiovisual talent and decision-makers. With these new projects, Series Mania goes further in the creation process. The Series Mania Institute will allow us to boost specific training in audiovisual professions,” says Xavier Bertrand, President of the Hauts-de-France Region.
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.
