1. Payal Kapadia’s ‘All We Imagine As Light’ wins the Grand Prix at Cannes.
2. First Indian film in nearly three decades to compete for Palme d’Or.
3. Marks a significant moment in Indian cinema history.
Entertainment, May 26: Payal Kapadia’s debut fiction feature ‘All We Imagine As Light’ has achieved a historic milestone by winning the Grand Prix Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
This accolade marks a significant moment in Indian cinema as it is the first Indian film to compete for the Palme d’Or in nearly three decades.
The last Indian film to be in the running for this prestigious award was Shaji N Karun’s ‘Swaham’ in 1994.
Kapadia’s film was in competition with works from several acclaimed directors, including Francis Ford Coppola, Sean Baker, Yorgos Lanthimos, Paul Schrader, Magnus Von Horn, and Paolo Sorrentino.
The jury, headed by Greta Gerwig, known for her directorial work in ‘Ladybird’ and ‘Barbie’, had a challenging task given the caliber of films presented.
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The screening of ‘All We Imagine As Light’ at Cannes was a memorable event. On May 23, the film’s team, filled with excitement and pride, danced their way to the screening venue.
The film was met with an enthusiastic reception, culminating in an eight-minute standing ovation, reflecting the audience’s appreciation and admiration.
The cast and crew of ‘All We Imagine As Light’ made a notable impression on the red carpet. Their joyful demeanor, striking poses, and impromptu dance moves captured the attention of many, adding a lively and vibrant atmosphere to the prestigious event.
Payal Kapadia is no stranger to Cannes acclaim.
Three years ago, she won the ‘le prix du documentaire’ for Best Documentary for her film ‘A Night of Knowing Nothing’. ‘All We Imagine As Light’ marks her transition to feature filmmaking, further establishing her as a significant voice in contemporary cinema.
‘All We Imagine As Light’, an Indo-French production, narrates the story of Prabha, a nurse whose life is upended when she receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband.
The film’s exploration of personal and emotional disruption resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning it the Grand Prix Award.
The inclusion and success of ‘All We Imagine As Light’ at Cannes adds to the legacy of Indian films that have been featured in the festival‘s competition section.
This prestigious list includes works by cinematic legends such as Chetan Anand, V Shantaram, Raj Kapoor, Satyajit Ray, MS Sathyu, and Mrinal Sen.
Among them, ‘Neecha Nagar’ stands out as the only Indian film to have won the Palme d’Or.
The victory of ‘All We Imagine As Light’ not only highlights Payal Kapadia’s directorial prowess but also reaffirms the global recognition of Indian cinema.
This historic win at Cannes paves the way for future Indian films to make their mark on the international stage, showcasing the rich and diverse storytelling tradition of the country.
