Indian Filmmaker Payal Kapadia Creates History by Winning Cannes Grand Prix for ‘All We Imagine as Light’

Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia made history at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival by winning the prestigious Grand Prix award for her drama, “All We Imagine as Light.” This marked Kapadia’s directorial debut and the first Indian film in three decades to be featured in the festival’s main competition. Additionally, she became the first Indian woman director to achieve this feat.

The film received an eight-minute standing ovation during its screening, showcasing the audience’s appreciation for Kapadia’s work. “All We Imagine as Light” follows the story of Prabha, a nurse whose life takes a mysterious turn after receiving a gift from her estranged husband. Alongside her roommate Anu, they embark on a journey to a coastal town where their dreams find solace in a mystical forest.

Co-produced by Petit Chaos from France and Chalk and Cheese Films from India, the movie highlights an Indo-French collaboration. Kapadia’s previous success includes winning the Golden Eye award at Cannes for her documentary, “A Night of Knowing Nothing.”

The Cannes Film Festival, which began on May 14, featured Greta Gerwig as the jury president, with members such as Lily Gladstone, Kore-eda Hirokazu, and Eva Green. Kapadia’s groundbreaking win not only showcases her talent but also paves the way for more diverse voices in the film industry.