A landmark moment for Indian cinema was celebrated last night as Payal Kapadia’s debut fiction feature, *All We Imagine As Light*, received an enthusiastic eight-minute standing ovation during its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. This achievement not only highlights the film’s excellence but also marks a significant milestone for Indian cinema. Screening in the prestigious late-night competition slot, *All We Imagine As Light* became the first Indian production in three decades to be featured in this category and the first by an Indian woman filmmaker to achieve this honor.
Attending the press conference for the film at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival were notable figures including Divya Prabha, Payal Kapadia, and Kani Kusruti. The event took place at the Palais des Festivals on May 24, 2024, drawing significant media attention and further establishing Kapadia’s growing influence in the global film industry.
A unique collaboration underpinned this film’s creation. The French-Indo co-production was brought to life through the efforts of Paris-based producers Hakim and Julien Graff of Petit Chaos, and Mumbai producer Zico Maitra of Chalk & Cheese Films. This cross-cultural partnership highlighted the increasingly global nature of cinema, blending diverse creative visions to tell a compelling story. The film was shot over a span of 40 days across various locations in Mumbai and the picturesque, rain-soaked western port town of Ratnagiri. The chosen landscapes added depth to the Malayalam-Hindi language feature, painting a vivid picture of the characters’ lives and struggles.
*All We Imagine As Light* intricately weaves the narrative of two young women, Prabha (played by Kani Kusruti) and Anu (portrayed by Divya Prabha). Prabha, a dedicated nurse from Mumbai, confronts a disruption in her otherwise monotonous life when she receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband. This event serves as a catalyst for change, propelling her into a journey of self-discovery. Meanwhile, her roommate Anu grapples with the lack of privacy in the bustling metropolis, seeking a secluded space to be with her boyfriend. Their individual quests for solace and intimacy converge in a beach town, setting the stage for a transformative experience that beautifully unfolds their dreams and desires.
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The film’s reception at Cannes is a testament to Kapadia’s skillful storytelling and the powerful performances by the cast. The standing ovation reflected not only the audience’s appreciation but also an acknowledgment of the film’s emotional and cultural resonance. This momentous occasion also brought attention to the rich tapestry of Indian cinema beyond the Bollywood mainstream.
Kapadia had previously gained international acclaim with her documentary, *A Night of Knowing Nothing* (2021), which was showcased in the Director’s Fortnight at Cannes and won the prestigious Golden Eye for best documentary. In interviews, she has often highlighted the diverse and vibrant filmmaking talent present across India. “India is a country that produces a lot of good films. Not just Bollywood, but every state has its own industry with absolutely brilliant filmmakers. I hope that after this, we won’t have to wait another 30 years for recognition,” Kapadia expressed, underscoring her vision for more frequent global acknowledgment of Indian cinema.
The premiere and subsequent accolades for *All We Imagine As Light* signify a promising future for Indian filmmakers, particularly women directors who have often been underrepresented in the industry. The film’s success at Cannes paves the way for more diverse stories to be showcased on prestigious international platforms, contributing to a broader understanding of India’s multifaceted film landscape.
As the Cannes Film Festival continues, the spotlight remains on *All We Imagine As Light*, with critics and audiences eagerly discussing its themes, performances, and direction. This film not only enhances India’s cinematic presence on a global scale but also inspires a new generation of filmmakers to explore and share their stories. The eight-minute standing ovation is not just a celebration of Kapadia’s film, but a celebration of Indian cinema’s potential to resonate with audiences worldwide.
In conclusion, *All We Imagine As Light* has set a new benchmark for Indian cinema at international film festivals. Through Payal Kapadia’s visionary direction and the collaborative efforts of an indomitable team, the film has carved a unique space for itself, promising a future where Indian cinema continues to shine and inspire globally.
