A landmark moment for Indian cinema emerged as Payal Kapadia’s debut fiction feature, “All We Imagine As Light,” received an enthusiastic eight-minute standing ovation at its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. This historic screening, held in the late-night competition slot, marks the first time in three decades that an Indian production has been featured in the competition. Notably, it is also the first time that a film directed by an Indian woman has achieved this honor.
The excitement at Cannes was palpable as the credits rolled and the applause began, echoing through the hallowed halls of the Palais des Festivals. In attendance was an ensemble cast including Divya Prabha, Payal Kapadia, and Kani Kusruti, who participated in the press conference following the premiere. The setting of the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 24, 2024, only added to the monumental occasion, celebrating diverse voices and unique storytelling from around the globe.
“All We Imagine As Light” stands out as a rare French-Indo co-production. This cinematic venture was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of Paris-based producers Hakim and Julien Graff from Petit Chaos, alongside Zico Maitra from Mumbai’s Chalk & Cheese Films. The film was shot over a span of 40 days in two distinct locations: the bustling metropolis of Mumbai and the picturesque, rainy western port town of Ratnagiri. This geographical contrast is mirrored in the film’s narrative, a Malayalam-Hindi language feature that intertwines the lives of two young women – Prabha, portrayed by Kani Kusruti, and Anu, played by Divya Prabha.
The storyline delves deep into the complexities of modern urban life. Prabha, a nurse hailing from Mumbai, has her mundane routine upended by an unexpected gift from her estranged husband. Meanwhile, her roommate Anu finds herself in a constant struggle to carve out a private space in the ever-crowded city to connect with her boyfriend. Their arduous journey to a serene beach town serves as a crucial escape, a setting where their suppressed dreams and desires are laid bare.
Kapadia is no stranger to international acclaim, having previously made waves with her documentary “A Night of Knowing Nothing” in 2021. The documentary was featured in the Director’s Fortnight at Cannes, where it clinched the prestigious Golden Eye for Best Documentary.
. Her transition from documentary filmmaking to a fiction feature has apparently retained and even heightened her ability to captivate audiences, evidenced by the overwhelming response at Cannes.
In an interview, Payal Kapadia took a moment to highlight the diverse and rich pool of filmmaking talent spread across India. “India is a country that makes a lot of good films. Not just Bollywood but every state has its industry, and there are absolutely brilliant filmmakers. I hope that after this we won’t have to wait another 30 years,” she expressed. Her words echo the sentiments of many who ardently believe in the untapped potential of Indian cinema beyond the traditional Bollywood framework.
The attention garnered by “All We Imagine As Light” extends beyond the film itself, shining a spotlight on the collaborative spirit of international cinema. The blending of French and Indian production efforts underscores a growing trend of cross-cultural exchanges in the film industry. These partnerships not only bring diverse perspectives to the screen but also open up new avenues for storytelling that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Photographs capturing moments from the film’s journey at Cannes feature a celebratory mood. One snapshot showcases Hridhu Haroon, Chhaya Kadam, Payal Kapadia, Divya Prabha, and Kani Kusruti during the photocall session, smiling against the grandeur of the festival backdrop. Another image captures the intensity of the press conference, with Divya Prabha, Payal Kapadia, and Kani Kusruti engaging with the media, discussing the nuances of their film.
The dynamic reception of “All We Imagine As Light” at Cannes symbolizes a pivotal shift for Indian cinema on the global stage. It fosters hope that more Indian stories, especially those from underrepresented voices, will find their place in international platforms, bridging a cultural and cinematic dialogue that reflects the diversity and richness of India’s storytelling prowess. As the festival progresses, the film’s impact will likely resonate, not just as a proud moment for Indian cinema but as an indicator of the transformative power of collaborative creativity in the global film industry.
