‘India proud of Payal Kapadia’: PM’s message after filmmaker’s Cannes win

Payal Kapadia has scripted history by becoming the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival for her film "All We Imagine as Light".

In Short

• Filmmaker Payal Kapadia won Grand Prix award at Cannes
• PM extends good wishes, says India is proud of her
• Rahul Gandhi says 'women have scripted history'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated Payal Kapadia for creating history by becoming the first Indian filmmaker to clinch the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival for her film -- "All We Imagine as Light".

The film won the second-most prestigious prize of the festival, following the Palme d'Or, which was awarded to American director Sean Baker for "Anora" during the closing ceremony on Saturday night.

Reacting to Kapadia's achievement, PM Modi said that the prestigious accolade not only honours her exceptional skills but also inspires a new generation of Indian filmmakers.

"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 alumnus of FTII, her remarkable talent continues to shine on the global stage, giving a glimpse of the rich creativity in India. This prestigious accolade not only honours her exceptional skills but also inspires a new generation of Indian filmmakers," the Prime Minister posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, too, extended his best wishes to the ace filmmaker and the entire team of "All We Imagine as Light".

"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'. These women have scripted history, and inspired the entire Indian film fraternity," Rahul Gandhi wrote on X.

Kapadia's film, which was screened on Thursday night, is the first Indian film in 30 years and the first ever by an Indian female director to be featured in the main competition of the Cannes Film Festival.

American actor Viola Davis presented Kapadia with the Grand Prix. In her acceptance speech, Kapadia acknowledged the essential contributions of the film's three leading actresses — Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam — stating that the film would not have been possible without them.

"I'm very nervous, so I wrote something down. Thank you to the Cannes Film Festival for having our film here. Please don't wait 30 years to have another Indian film," she said in her acceptance speech.

"This film is about friendship, about three very different women. Oftentimes, women are pitted against each other. This is the way our society is designed and it is really unfortunate. But for me, friendship is a very important relationship because it can lead to greater solidarity, inclusivity and empathy," the filmmaker added.

Published By:
Sahil Sinha
Published On:
May 26, 2024