“All We Imagine As Light,” a film by acclaimed Indian director Payal Kapadia, is slated to make a significant impact on the Indian film circuit this November. Having already captured the Grand Prix award at the esteemed 77th Cannes Film Festival, this Malayalam-Hindi feature is set to open at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, bringing its poignant narrative to a broader audience.
Before its anticipated nationwide release, “All We Imagine As Light” had been available to a limited audience, debuting on a select number of screens in Kerala on September 21 under the banner of Spirit Media, a production house tied to notable actor and producer Rana Daggubati. Coinciding with the subtle unveiling in India, the film found its way to theaters across France just a few weeks later, beginning its international journey on October 2.
A collaboration that spans borders, “All We Imagine As Light” represents an official co-production between India’s Chalk and Cheese Films and Another Birth, alongside petit chaos from France. Director Payal Kapadia, known for making history by becoming the first Indian filmmaker to seize the Grand Prix at Cannes, expresses anticipation for the broader Indian release. “I am so excited for the India release this November! I hope that many people go to watch it. It is such a wonderful feeling for any filmmaker,” she conveyed in a statement, underlining her eagerness for the film to resonate with a diverse audience across the nation.
The film, led by performances from Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha, unfolds the compelling tale of two Kerala-based nurses, Prabha and Anu, who navigate their lives and struggles cohabiting in the bustling cityscape of Mumbai. Known as “Prabhayay Ninachathellam” in Malayalam, the film delves deep into the lives and emotional landscapes of its protagonists, offering a profound insight into their world.
Rana Daggubati, with his production house Spirit Media, took strategic steps in acquiring exclusive rights to distribute the film within India. He voiced enthusiasm for bringing Kapadia’s work to the Indian audience, highlighting the starting point as the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.
. “Our partnership with this incredible film is a step forward in our efforts to bring compelling and moving stories from different parts of the country to audiences everywhere,” Daggubati remarked, underscoring his commitment to supporting diverse narratives.
Scheduled to inaugurate the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival on October 18, “All We Imagine As Light” will usher in the event’s 2024 edition. Interim festival director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur expressed delight at featuring the film as the curtain-raiser, appreciating its alignment with MAMI’s vision for showcasing impactful cinema. Dungarpur stated, “‘All We Imagine as Light’ will always be remembered as a film that won the Grand Prix at Cannes, but it is also an independent film that faced many challenges, especially in finding funding, before it debuted in competition at Cannes and won accolades all over the world.”
With its comprehensive program running until October 24, the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival promises a rich collection of over 110 films in more than 50 languages, spotlighting both feature-length and short films from an array of genres. Kapadia, reflecting on her connection to the festival, noted her personal history with MAMI as an incubator for her cinematic experiences. “When I was a student in Mumbai, I got a glimpse into world cinema and cinema from other parts of the country because of MAMI. I am happy that people in Mumbai would be able to see the film here first,” she said.
In addition to Kusruti and Prabha, the film also showcases Chhaya Kadam, rounding out a cast that supports its deeply layered narrative. “All We Imagine As Light” marks a pivotal moment in Indian cinema history, as it’s the first film in 30 years from India to secure a spot in Cannes’ main competition. The film’s journey from inception to its celebrated reception at international film festivals underscores the indomitable spirit of independent filmmaking. With its imminent release in India, Kapadia’s film is poised to continue its journey of touching hearts and challenging perspectives.
