International
The Artist claims top spot at AACTA Intl awards
MUMBAI: The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts has announced the winners of the opening edition of the AACTA International Awards that recognises International achievements in films in the following five award categories: Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor and Best Actress.
Taking a step ahead to a possible Oscar win the black and white, silent film The Artist was pronounced the big winner. The AACTA International Awards awarded the ‘Best Film’ award to producer Thomas Langmann while the ‘Best Direction’ award was given to French director Michel Hazanavicius.
The film’s lead actor, Jean Dujardin, was adjudged ‘Best Actor’ for his powerful performance as George Valentin.
On the other hand, Meryl Streep took home the AACTA International Award for ‘Best Actress’ for her role in The Iron Lady edging out five other nominees in the category, with her impressive portrayal of former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.
The award for ‘Best Screenplay’ proved fiercely competitive with two joint winners. The winners were the adapted screenplay from The Ides of March for George Clooney, Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon and the original screenplay from Margin Call for first time writer and director J.C. Chandor.
The AACTA International Awards recognise film excellence regardless of geography, as determined by a jury of eminent Australian screen practitioners from a cross-section of crafts, and with a wealth of local and international experience.
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.
