Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ In a moment of global recognition for Indian cinema, Payal Kapadia‘s critically acclaimed film All We Imagine As Light has achieved yet another milestone. Following a series of prestigious awards and global accolades, the movie has now secured the top spot on former US President Barack Obama’s annual list of movie recommendations for 2024. On Saturday, Obama shared his favorite films, books, and music for the year with his followers on X , providing a curated selection for art lovers worldwide. Among the films highlighted, All We Imagine As Light stood out as Obama’s top recommendation. In a post to his followers, the former president said, “Here are a few movies I’d recommend checking out this year.”
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The notable films on Obama’s list include All We Imagine As Light; Conclave; The Piano Lesson; The Promised Land; The Seed of the Sacred Fig; Dune: Part Two; Anora; Dìdi; Sugarcane; and A Complete Unknown. Furthermore, the inclusion of All We Imagine As Light on Obama’s list marks a significant moment for Indian cinema on the global stage. Earlier this year, the film made history by competing in the main competition section of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, a milestone that had not been achieved by an Indian film in 30 years. The last Indian movie to be featured in Cannes’ main competition section was Shaji N. Karun’s Swaham in 1994. At Cannes, All We Imagine As Light took home the Grand Prix Award, further cementing its reputation on the global film circuit.
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The film’s journey of success did not stop there. It also garnered the Best International Feature award at the New York Film Critics Circle and the Gotham Awards 2024. Recently, it received two Golden Globe nominations, alongside multiple nods from the Critics’ Choice Awards, further adding to its growing list of accolades. The movie’s lead director, Payal Kapadia, has also been recognized with the Spirit of Cinema award at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), a testament to her direction and the film’s international appeal.
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All We Imagine As Light tells the poignant story of Prabha, a troubled nurse who is gifted an unexpected gesture by her estranged husband, and Anu, her young roommate seeking intimacy with her boyfriend. The narrative unfolds as they embark on a transformative journey to a beach town, where they confront their desires and emotions. The film is an Indo-French co-production between Petit Chaos (France), Chalk & Cheese, and Another Birth (India) and stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Hridhu Haroon, all hailing from Kerala. All We Imagine As Light, with its continued international recognition, serves as a testament to the global appeal and storytelling power of Indian cinema.
