International
TFI announces grant recipients
MUMBAI: The Tribeca Film Institute (TFI) has announced the grant recipients of its inaugural 2011 Tribeca Film Institute New Media Fund, a diverse group of interactive, non-fiction projects exploring everything from the Egyptian Revolution to global health to the “friendly fire” death in Afghanistan of American serviceman Pat Tillman.
The six projects from the US and around the world have been awarded between $50,000 and $100,000 apiece, with funding effective immediately.
Through TFI‘s long-term partnership with the Ford Foundation‘s JustFilms initiative, the TFI New Media Fund recognizes and supports non-fiction film projects which go beyond traditional screens, integrating film with content across newer media platforms, from social media to mobile devices to games.
The recipients of grants totaling $400,000 are 18 Days of Egypt, Map Your World, The Interrupters, Afghan Lives, Dadaab Stories, The Tillman Story.
The jury awarding the grants comprised of notable figures whose accomplishments span the worlds of technology, film and the arts. Jurors included Andy Berndt (Vice President of Google Creative Lab), Caitlin Burns (Producer and Editor Starlight Runner Entertainment), Idit Harel Caperton (psychologist and epistemologist, Founder of World Wide Workshop and MaMaMedia), John Johnson (Founder of The Harmony Institute, EYEBEAM and BuzzFeed.com) among others.
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.
