New Delhi: The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival is set to grace the picturesque French Riviera from May 14 onwards. This year’s festival is set to be particularly noteworthy for India, with seven Indian films making their way to one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals.
Leading the Indian contingent is the Malayalam film “All We Imagine As Light,” directed by Payal Kapadia. The film is slated to be screened on May 23, generating significant buzz as it marks the first Indian entry in the main segment, the Palme d’Or, since Shaji N. Karun’s “Swaham” in 1994. “All We Imagine As Light” explores the lives of two hospital nurses, capturing their journey of love and self-discovery, and how it reshapes their perspectives on life and themselves.
Adding diversity to the Indian lineup is “Santosh,” directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri. The film will be showcased in the Un Certain Regard section, a category dedicated to recognizing unique and story-driven films. “Santosh” stars Shahana Goswami as a newly widowed woman who assumes her deceased husband’s role as a police constable in a rural northern Indian village, trudging through the complexities of grief, duty, and societal expectations.
In the Cinéfondation section, dedicated to promoting the works of emerging student filmmakers, the Kannada short film “Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know” will be screened. Directed by FTII student Chidanand Naik, the film paints an evocative narrative that tells a compelling and emotional story.
The Cannes Classics section, which celebrates iconic cinema, will feature the renowned Smita Patil and Naseeruddin Shah-starrer “Manthan.” This 1976 film, directed by Shyam Benegal and co-starring Girish Karnad and Kulbhushan Kharbanda, addresses themes of empowerment, community, and collective action, reflecting the enduring relevance of our cinematic heritage.
Radhika Apte stars in “Sister Midnight,” which has been selected for the Directors’ Fortnight category. Directed by Karan Kandhari, the film delves into the turbulent life of a woman negotiating the harsh realities of married life within the confines of a slum. Faced with oppression, her quest for revenge and self-empowerment fuels the film’s gripping narrative.
The Association for the Distribution of Independent Cinema Section will host the premiere of “In Retreat,” directed by Syed Maisam Ali Shah. This evocative film tells the story of a man who returns to his long-abandoned hometown, facing the inevitability of change and the painful echoes of his past.
Lastly, “The Shameless,” a film directed by Bulgarian filmmaker Konstantin Bojanov, rounds out the list of Indian entries. Although directed by Bojanov, the film is firmly set in the Indian subcontinent, traversing the terrains of Nepal and India for its shoot. The story centers on Rani, an Indian sex worker, who embarks on a pilgrimage to a secluded temple, confronting her turbulent past and a poignant love affair with a man serving a prison sentence for murder in Bangalore. “The Shameless” will be screened under the Un Certain Regard section, showcasing Bojanov’s adeptness at blending cultural narratives and universal themes of redemption and self-reckoning.
The inclusion of these films underlines the remarkable variety of storytelling and thematic exploration coming out of Indian cinema. From the vivid backdrops of rural police precincts and the gritty realities of urban slums to poignant narratives of individual transformation and retrospection, these films promise to offer audiences a profound glimpse into the myriad facets of Indian life and culture.
With established artists such as Payal Kapadia, Radhika Apte, and Shahana Goswami at the forefront, along with promising new talents like Chidanand Naik, Indian cinema is set to make a noteworthy impact on the global stage. The participation of these films in various sections of the Cannes Film Festival reflects not only the strength and versatility of our films but also their growing recognition and appreciation on international platforms.
As anticipation builds for the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, these seven films from India embody the spirit, diversity, and enduring power of storytelling that defines our cinematic landscape. Viewers and critics alike eagerly await their debut, hoping these narratives will resonate, inspire, and leave a lasting impression on the world.
