In a historic milestone for Indian cinema, filmmaker Payal Kapadia has achieved a monumental feat by winning the coveted Grand Prix, or the jury award under the Palme d’Or category, at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. Kapadia’s film, ‘All That We Imagine As Light,’ not only captivated the jury but also marked the first Indian film in over three decades to be selected for the main competition section of this prestigious festival, held annually at the scenic French Riviera.
Holding her award close and posing with her ecstatic cast, Kapadia’s triumph is a defining moment for Indian cinema on the international stage. Her film stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chayya Kadam, bringing to life a compelling narrative centered around female friendship set against the bustling backdrop of Mumbai.
“This film is about the friendship between three different women, and often times, women are pitted against each other. This is the way our society is designed, and it is really unfortunate. But for me, friendship is an important relationship. It can lead to greater solidarity, inclusivity, and empathy towards each other, which is why I feel these are the values we should always strive for,” Kapadia shared in her acceptance speech, which was met with thunderous applause.
### The FTII Rebel: A Glimpse into Kapadia’s Formative Years
However, Kapadia’s rise to cinematic prominence has not been without its challenges. Her journey is not just one of artistic triumph but also of steadfast resilience and principled dissent. In 2015, as a student at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Kapadia led a significant protest against the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as the institute’s chairperson. Her stand against what many saw as an unfit appointment for the esteemed position turned into a four-month-long protest, the longest in the history of FTII.
Kapadia, alongside other students, boycotted classes and vociferously questioned Chauhan’s qualifications, pointing out his background as a former television actor known primarily for his role as Yudhishthira in the television series ‘Mahabharat’ and roles in several B-rated films. The protest attracted national attention and ultimately led to Chauhan resigning in 2017, with veteran actor Anupam Kher stepping in as his replacement.
The protest took a dramatic turn when the Pune Police filed an FIR against Kapadia and 34 other students for holding then FTII director Prashant Pathrabe captive during a disagreement over grading incomplete assignments. The prolonged agitation also resulted in the slashing of Kapadia’s scholarship grant, adding financial pressure to her academic pursuits.
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### First Steps at Cannes: Kapadia’s Initial Foray into International Cinema
Despite these formidable adversities, Kapadia’s indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to her art began to attract global recognition. In 2017, she received support from the FTII to travel to Cannes, where her short film ‘Afternoon Clouds’ was selected for screening. It marked the beginning of her association with the festival, setting a precedent for her future successes.
Two years later, Kapadia’s work would again take center stage. Her documentary film, ‘A Night Of Knowing Nothing,’ premiered at the Directors’ Fortnight at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, where it clinched the L’Œil d’or award for Best Documentary Film. It was lauded for its raw and insightful portrayal, which narratively stitched the letters of an Indian university student to her estranged lover, reflecting the socio-political changes surrounding her and her peers. This film also saw success at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was among the winners of the Amplify Voices Award.
### Scripting History with ‘All That We Imagine As Light’
Fast forward to 2024, and Kapadia has once again brought Indian stories to the global stage with ‘All That We Imagine As Light.’ The film, breaking through entrenched societal narratives, weaves a poignant tale of three women navigating their personal and professional lives amidst the vibrancy and chaos of Mumbai. It highlights the often-overlooked theme of female solidarity in a society that typically pits women against each other.
The recognition of Kapadia’s work at Cannes is not just a personal victory but a significant cultural moment for Indian cinema. It underscores the power of storytelling in bridging cultural divides and the importance of diverse voices in global cinema. Kapadia’s films, known for their thought-provoking content and artistic integrity, continue to garner critical acclaim and inspire a new generation of filmmakers.
As Kapadia stood on the illustrious stage of Cannes, accepting the Grand Prix with a heart full of gratitude and a message of hope, it signified more than just an award. It was a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, and the unyielding potential of cinema to effect change and foster understanding. Her journey from FTII protests to Cannes glory serves as an empowering narrative, showcasing the relentless pursuit of one’s passion and the courage to challenge the status quo.
