Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia achieved a historic milestone as her captivating drama, “All We Imagine as Light,” bagged the Grand Prix award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. At the conclusion of the 77th edition of the festival, the film received this accolade, which ranks as the second-most prestigious prize after the Palme d’Or. Ms. Kapadia’s directorial debut feature garnered widespread acclaim, having been showcased on Thursday night and earning glowing reviews from international critics. Notably, it etched its mark in cinematic history by becoming the first Indian film in three decades and the inaugural one directed by an Indian woman to compete in the festival’s primary category.
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The narrative of the film revolves around four ordinary dwellers of Mumbai, three hailing from Kerala and one from a seaside village in Maharashtra, who quietly and persistently strive to express their aspirations and frustrations within a hectic, noisy, and challenging urban domain, which often seems to deplete more than it provides. “All We Imagine As Light” by Payal Kapadia stands among the 19 contenders vying for recognition at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. It marks nearly three decades since an Indian film has competed for the esteemed Palme d’Or, with the last instance being Shaji N Karun’s “Swaham” in 1994. The distinguished jury of the main competition, chaired by filmmaker Greta Gerwig, included notable personalities from the global cinematic landscape, underscoring the significance of Kapadia’s triumph.
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This cinematic venture, a collaborative effort between India and France, features Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, and Hridhu Haroon in lead roles. Notably, it signifies Kapadia’s maiden venture into feature filmmaking following the success of her documentary, “A Night of Knowing Nothing,” which clinched the Golden Eye for Best Documentary at Cannes in 2021. Following the screening, the film secured a remarkable eight-minute standing ovation from the audience, highlighting its resonance and impact. Narratively, “All We Imagine as Light,” presented in Malayalam-Hindi, delves into the upheavals in the life of Prabha, a nurse, triggered by an unexpected gift from her estranged husband, while her roommate, Anu, struggles in vain to find a secluded spot to meet her boyfriend in the bustling metropolis.
As per the storyline, the plot unfolds as the two nurses embark on a journey to a coastal town, where a mystical forest becomes the canvas for their dreams to materialize. The film has garnered commendation from international critics who have lauded Kapadia’s adept storytelling skills and cinematic vision. A graduate of the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Kapadia gained prominence for her acclaimed documentary, “A Night of Knowing Nothing,” which was screened at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival’s Director’s Fortnight, clinching the Oeil d’or (Golden Eye) award. Her earlier work, “Afternoon Clouds,” featured in Cinefondation, a platform dedicated to nurturing emerging filmmakers. “All We Imagine As Light” stands as a collaborative endeavor between Petit Chaos from France and Chalk and Cheese Films from India.
Following the milestone victory of the film, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Kapadia, acknowledging her remarkable achievement in bringing laurels to the country on the global stage and inspiring future generations of Indian filmmakers. He penned, “India is proud of Payal Kapadia for her historic feat of winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her work ‘All We Imagine as Light’. An alumnus of FTII, her remarkable talent continues to shine on the global stage, giving a glimpse of the rich creativity in India. This prestigious accolade not only honours her exceptional skills but also inspires a new generation of Indian filmmakers.”
Similarly, Union Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur commended Kapadia’s accomplishment, hailing it as a testament to India’s burgeoning creative economy. He wrote, “Many congratulations to FTII alumnus Payal Kapadia for winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her film All We Imagine as Light. This makes it the first Grand Prix win for the country and a nomination in the Palme d’Or after 30 years. Bharat’s creative economy is indeed shining with 3 films winning awards this year at Cannes”.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also conveyed his felicitations to Kapadia and the team behind “All We Imagine As Light,” recognizing their success as a shining moment for Indian cinema on the international platform. He wrote, “Indian stars shining bright at the 77th Cannes Film Festival! Congratulations to Payal Kapadia and the entire team of ‘All We Imagine As Light’ for clinching the prestigious Grand Prix award. Kudos to Anasuya Sengupta for winning the Best Actress award under the Un Certain Regard section for her performance in ‘The Shameless'”.
Reflecting on India’s cinematic legacy at Cannes, several iconic films such as Chetan Anand’s Neecha Nagar (1946), V Shantaram’s Amar Bhoopali (1952), Raj Kapoor’s Awaara (1953), Satyajit Ray’s Parash Pathar (1958), MS Sathyu’s Garm Hava (1974), and Mrinal Sen’s Kharij (1983) have graced the competition section over the years, with notable triumphs such as “Neecha Nagar,” the sole Indian recipient of the Palme d’Or. In its premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, “All We Imagine As Light” has emerged as a frontrunner for the Palme d’Or, positioning Kapadia as a trailblazer as the first Indian female director to vie for this prestigious honor. The film’s profound impact, underscored by an extensive ovation during its screening, underscores its significance in propelling India towards a historic milestone in cinematic excellence.
