Indian cinema has once again made its mark on the global stage, with Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light” clinching the Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. This monumental win, the first for an Indian film in three decades, tells the compelling story of two Kerala nurses navigating their lives in contemporary Mumbai. The film stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam.
On Sunday, Resul Pookutty, the Academy Award-winning sound designer for “Slumdog Millionaire,” shared his insights on this historic achievement in a heartfelt Facebook post. Reflecting on Kapadia’s triumph, Pookutty lauded the significant role that the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) played in nurturing talents like Kapadia. He emphasized that Kapadia’s win wasn’t merely her personal victory but a testament to the resilience and dedication of FTII alumni, who often carve out their paths without much support from mainstream Indian industry.
Pookutty remarked on the broader implications of Kapadia’s success, noting the absence of backing from both the mainstream Indian film industry and the government delegations typically sent to Cannes. “What makes Payal’s win so important?! Not just that she is from FTII, but she is from a group of people/student enthusiasts who are regular people who come from varied corners of India and signed themselves to be strugglers for the rest of their lives. (sic),” wrote Pookutty.
He elaborated on the struggles faced by students at institutions like FTII and SRFTII, who often commit to a life of artistic struggle rather than the more conventional career paths followed by graduates of more prestigious Indian institutions. “When you study at an IIM, IIT, or AIIMS, you become managers of MNCs, Engineers, and Doctors. But when you sign up to study at FTII or SRFTII, you become a struggler,” he explained.
Pookutty painted a vivid picture of the environment at FTII, a place steeped in cinematic history and one that has inspired countless students. “That sleepy institute with long hanging roots of the trees and the black road that winds up like a snake from the main gate to the main theatre is where the history of Indian Cinema sleeps and many generations have drawn inspiration from. Every student who studied there has always nurtured a point of view that every govt. looked at it as anti-establishment,” commented Pookutty. He expressed pride in how most graduates from FTII and the National School of Drama, New Delhi, find work within the country, unlike graduates of other institutions.
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Crucially, Pookutty stressed that the mainstream film industry had nothing to do with Kapadia’s historic win at Cannes. “The only reason they won is also not because we had inspiring teachers, there were some but not all. The only reason for this National glory is all the inspiring films we saw at FTII and the atmosphere of that place nurtured by all the brilliant artists from all across the globe who visited there and left their energies…,” he wrote.
In a poignant plea, Pookutty urged current and future authorities to preserve the nurturing atmosphere that FTII provides. “My only request is whoever or whatever or whichever dispensation are at the helm of affairs, do not destroy that atmosphere which took generations to nurture… There are many more Payals and Chidanands, Sathosh Sivans, and Shaji Karuns who are going to come out. Inspire them, and let them show us a mirror that reflects us as a true society where original, logical, and scientific temperament is celebrated. Let us create Sovereign minds, that will be a true celebration of cinema and life (sic),” chronicled Pookutty.
As Kapadia returns from her Cannes triumph, she faces a court hearing next month, stemming from her participation in the 2015 FTII protests against the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as chairman. Kapadia was at the forefront of a historic 139-day protest opposing Chauhan’s appointment due to his perceived lack of qualifications. The protest led to severe repercussions for Kapadia, including the revocation of her scholarship and an FIR being filed against her.
Previously, her 13-minute short film, “Afternoon Clouds,” was selected for the competition category at the 70th Cannes International Festival in 2017. This recognition prompted FTII to reverse its punitive actions, extending support for her travel to Cannes.
FTII celebrates its alumni’s achievements at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, relishing a phenomenal year for Indian Cinema. Social media buzzes with pride as FTII congratulates its former students for their glorious feats on the grand international stage.
With the global spotlight now firmly on her, Kapadia’s journey from a protestor facing severe consequences to a Cannes laureate encapsulates the spirit of struggle and triumph that Pookutty so passionately described. This victory is not just a personal milestone for Kapadia but a historic achievement for Indian cinema, marking a new chapter of international recognition and artistic excellence.
