New Delhi: Filmmaker Payal Kapadia made history when her film “All We Imagine As Light” won the prestigious Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. The film was a strong contender for the top award, Palme d’Or, which was awarded to Sean Baker’s comedy-drama “Anora.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Ms Kapadia for her achievement, stating, “India is proud of Payal Kapadia for her historic feat of winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her work ‘All We Imagine as Light.’ An alumna of FTII, her remarkable talent continues to shine on the global stage, showcasing the rich creativity in India.”
“This prestigious accolade not only honours her exceptional skills but also inspires a new generation of Indian filmmakers,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Union Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur also extended his congratulations, saying, “Many congratulations to FTII alumna Payal Kapadia for winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her film ‘All We Imagine as Light.’ This marks the first Grand Prix win for the country and a nomination in the Palme d’Or after 30 years. Bharat’s creative economy is indeed shining with three films winning awards this year at Cannes.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined in the congratulations, stating, “Indian stars shining bright at the 77th Cannes Film Festival! Congratulations to Payal Kapadia and the entire team of ‘All We Imagine As Light’ for clinching the prestigious Grand Prix award. Kudos to Anasuya Sengupta for winning the Best Actress award under the Un Certain Regard section for her performance in ‘The Shameless.'”
Ms. Kapadia’s directorial debut received positive reviews from the media and made history as the first Indian film in 30 years, and the first by an Indian female director, to be showcased in the main competition at Cannes.
An alumna of the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Ms. Kapadia is best known for her acclaimed documentary “A Night of Knowing Nothing,” which premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival’s Director’s Fortnight side-bar and won the Oeil d’or (Golden Eye) award.
She received accolades from the Indian film fraternity. Actor Mohanlal called it “a momentous occasion for Indian cinema as Payal Kapadia, Kani Kusruthi, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, and the talented team behind ‘All We Imagine as Light’ bask in glory!”
Actor Mammootty said, “Making Indian cinema proud. What an amazing achievement. Congrats to Payal Kapadia, Kani Kusruthi, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, and the entire team of ‘All We Imagine as Light.'”
Film director, lyricist, and writer Varun Grover remarked, “Unbelievable day for Indian cinema. An independent filmmaker from the much-reviled FTII, whose first film was a poetic love letter to the idea of dissent in a democracy, wins the second-highest honor at the biggest film festival in the world.”
