In a significant milestone for Indian cinema, the celebrated film “All We Imagine As Light” is poised to light up screens across India this November. Directed by Payal Kapadia, the film has already left an indelible mark internationally, having clinched the Grand Prix award at the prestigious 77th Cannes Film Festival. Its journey will continue as it opens the distinguished MAMI Mumbai Film Festival next week.
This Malayalam-Hindi film, an evocative narrative woven by Kapadia, first graced select theaters in Kerala on September 21, under the banner of Rana Daggubati’s production powerhouse, Spirit Media. It is an official India-France co-production, a collaborative venture involving Chalk and Cheese Films and Another Birth from India, alongside petit chaos from France. The film has also touched French audiences, having premiered in theaters across France on October 2.
Payal Kapadia, who etched her name in history as the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix at Cannes, expressed her excitement about the national release. “I am thrilled for the Indian release this November! There is an immense joy in sharing one’s work with a home audience. My hope is that many will experience the film’s journey,” she remarked. The film’s compelling storyline showcases the lives of two Kerala nurses, Prabha and Anu, as they navigate co-habiting in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai. In Malayalam, the film is aptly titled “Prabhayay Ninachathellam.”
Rana Daggubati, an influential figure whose banner holds exclusive distribution rights, spoke with palpable enthusiasm about bringing “All We Imagine As Light” to Indian audiences. “We are ecstatic to be part of the journey of this remarkable film, commencing with MAMI. This partnership aligns with our mission to deliver poignant stories from diverse corners of India to viewers everywhere,” he stated.
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The film’s anticipated Indian debut will take place on October 18, marking the opening of the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024. Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, the interim festival director, articulated his delight over the film’s selection as the festival’s opening piece. “‘All We Imagine As Light’ is not just remembered for its Cannes victory but is celebrated as an independent cinematic masterpiece that overcame numerous challenges, particularly in funding, before captivating audiences worldwide,” Dungarpur detailed in a recent statement. “As MAMI ushers in a new era, this film epitomizes the cinematic ethos we aspire to highlight, providing a robust platform for independent cinema to flourish and reach an expansive audience.”
The MAMI Mumbai Film Festival is set to run until October 24, unveiling an eclectic lineup of over 110 films spanning more than 50 languages. The festival promises a rich tapestry of feature and non-feature films, covering a vast array of genres to captivate all cinematic tastes.
Reflecting on her personal journey with MAMI, Kapadia expressed her honor at having the film showcased at a festival pivotal in her own formative years. “My introduction to global and regional cinema was through MAMI during my student days in Mumbai. I’m overjoyed that Mumbai audiences will be the first in India to experience the film,” the director shared.
Additionally featuring the talents of Chhaya Kadam, “All We Imagine As Light” has the distinction of being the first Indian film in three decades to compete in the Cannes Film Festival’s main competition. This phenomenal achievement underscores the film’s significant role in the global cinematic landscape, promising to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.
As Indian cinema continues to evolve, “All We Imagine As Light” serves as a beacon, highlighting the power of collaborative storytelling, cross-cultural partnerships, and the undying spirit of independent filmmaking. As the film prepares for its Indian journey, it stands as a testament to the potential of cinema to transcend language and cultural barriers, uniting audiences with universal narratives of light and imagination.
