New Delhi: Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia made history at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival by winning the prestigious Le Grand Prix for her film All We Imagine as Light. This remarkable achievement not only marks the first Indian film in 30 years to compete at Cannes but also establishes Payal as the first Indian to win the Grand Prix. But who is Payal Kapadia, and what is her journey to this incredible milestone?
Who is Payal Kapadia?
Payal Kapadia is an alumna of the renowned Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Before capturing Cannes with All We Imagine as Light, she had already made waves with her film A Night of Knowing Nothing, which won the best documentary award at the 74th Cannes Film Festival in 2021. However, her prominence isn’t confined to her films; her audacious spirit has been evident since her student days at FTII.
Payal Kapadia vs FTII
Payal’s tenure at FTII in 2015 was marked by significant controversy. She spearheaded a four-month-long protest against the appointment of TV star-turned-politician Gajendra Chauhan as the institution’s chairman. This act of defiance led to disciplinary action against her. That same year, an FIR was filed against her and several other students after they held FTII director Prashant Pathrabe captive, protesting the assessment of incomplete projects from the 2008 batch. As reported by Hindustan Times, a total of 35 students were charge-sheeted by the Pune Police.
Payal Kapadia’s other projects
Despite these tumultuous events, Kapadia’s talent shone through. In 2017, her 13-minute film Afternoon Clouds was selected for Cannes, prompting FTII to support her once more. Bhupendra Kainthola, the FTII director at the time, noted that the decision to support her was based on her improved conduct on campus. Kainthola recalled, “Few days after the protest got over, many students came to me and said they never realised that their past actions will haunt them through their life. Some of them even cried and regretted their actions.”
Payal Kapadia Cannes 2024
At Cannes 2024, Payal’s All We Imagine as Light won the Le Grand Prix, a historic moment for Indian cinema. Accepting the award alongside actors Chhaya Kadam, Divya Prabha, and Kani Kusruti, Kapadia thanked the festival and made a poignant plea: “Please don’t wait 30 years to have another Indian film.” She highlighted the film’s central theme of friendship among women and the need for solidarity, inclusivity, and empathy in a society that often pits women against each other.
Payal Kapadia is making India proud with her big win at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Scroll down to read about the lesser known filmmaker who turned her FTII setbacks into Cannes triumph! Celebrity Entertainment News: Latest Bollywood, Hollywood News, South Cinema, Celebrity Gossip Today, Latest Movie News
