Payal Kapadia’s ‘All We Imagine as Light’ Wins Grand Prix Award at 77th Cannes

CANNES, May 25: Filmmaker Payal Kapadia has etched her name in the annals of cinematic history with her mesmerizing drama "All We Imagine as Light," which clinched the prestigious Grand Prix award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. 

The accolade, regarded as the second-most esteemed honor after the Palme d’Or, was presented during the grand closing ceremony of the festival’s 77th edition.

Kapadia’s debut feature film, which had its screening on Thursday night, has been the talk of the town, earning rave reviews from international critics. 

The film not only garnered critical acclaim but also achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian film in 30 years and the first ever by an Indian female director to compete in the main competition at Cannes. 

The screening was met with an eight-minute standing ovation, a testament to the film’s profound impact on its audience.

“All We Imagine as Light” is a compelling Malayalam-Hindi feature that delves into the lives of Prabha, a nurse, and her younger roommate Anu. 

The narrative begins with Prabha receiving an unexpected gift from her long-estranged husband, a twist that turns her life upside down. 

Anu, on the other hand, is in a quest for a private spot in the bustling city to be with her boyfriend. 

The two nurses eventually embark on a road trip to a serene beach town, where a mystical forest becomes the backdrop for their dreams and desires to unfold. 

Kapadia’s storytelling is lauded for its depth and emotional resonance, capturing the intricate dynamics of human relationships.

An alumna of the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Payal Kapadia is no stranger to the international film scene. 

She gained widespread recognition for her documentary “A Night of Knowing Nothing,” which premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival’s Director’s Fortnight and won the Oeil d’or (Golden Eye) award. 

Her short film “Afternoon Clouds” was also featured in the Cannes Cinefondation category, highlighting her consistent presence and growing influence in the global film industry.

“All We Imagine as Light” is a product of an Indo-French collaboration between petit chaos from France and Chalk and Cheese Films from India. 

This co-production has brought together diverse talents and resources, enriching the film’s narrative and production quality.

The main competition jury this year was chaired by renowned filmmaker Greta Gerwig and comprised an illustrious panel including Spanish director Juan Antonio Bayona, Turkish actor-screenwriter Ebru Ceylan, Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino, American actor Lily Gladstone, Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda, Lebanese actor-director Nadine Labaki, and French stars Eva Green and Omar Sy. 

Their collective expertise and discerning judgment underscore the significance of Kapadia’s win.

As Payal Kapadia basks in the glory of her Grand Prix victory, “All We Imagine as Light” stands as a beacon of her extraordinary talent and the promising future of Indian cinema on the global stage. 

This historic win not only celebrates Kapadia’s artistic vision but also marks a significant milestone for female directors in India, paving the way for future generations of filmmakers to follow in her footsteps.