Payal Kapadia's 'All We Imagine as Light' wins Grand Prix award at Cannes 2024
Director had previously faced disciplinary action at FTII
New Delhi: Amidst the jubilation surrounding her historic win of the Grand Prix at Cannes 2024 for her debut fiction film, 'All We Imagine As Light', filmmaker Payal Kapadia's journey has not been devoid of challenges. A closer look reveals her past activism during her days as a student at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).
Back in 2015, Kapadia found herself at the center of a prolonged protest against the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan, a television actor-turned-politician, as the institute's chairman. Leading a 139-day agitation, she and fellow protestors voiced concerns over Chauhan's perceived lack of qualifications for the role. Kapadia's involvement led to disciplinary action by FTII, resulting in the revocation of her scholarship after she boycotted classes in protest.
During the height of the agitation, tensions escalated when the then-director of FTII issued notices for the evacuation of hostel rooms and assessment of incomplete film projects. In response, students, including Kapadia, confronted the director, leading to arrests and further disciplinary measures.
Despite facing adversity, Kapadia's talent shone through with her short film 'Afternoon Clouds' earning recognition at the Cannes International Festival in 2017. FTII eventually reversed its decision, offering support for her endeavors, including participation in international programs.
Kapadia's commitment to storytelling and social commentary continued with her documentary 'A Night of Knowing Nothing', exploring themes of love and estrangement against the backdrop of the protest.
Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia made history at the Cannes Film Festival by becoming the first Indian to win the Grand Prix award for her film "All We Imagine as Light". The film, a Malayalam-Hindi feature, captivated audiences with its narrative about friendship and dreams unfolding against the backdrop of urban life. Kapadia's directorial debut received widespread acclaim, marking a significant moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.
In addition to Kapadia's win, Indian talent shone brightly across multiple categories at Cannes. FTII student Chidananda S. Naik's "Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know..." clinched the La Cinef first prize, while production designer Anasuya Sengupta made history as the first Indian to win the best actress prize for her role in "The Shameless".
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
At least 4 people killed in one of largest Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia
Kyiv, May (AP): At least four people, including three near Moscow, died in one of the largest Ukrainian overnight attacks against Russia since the start of the war, according to Russian local authorities.
A woman was killed after a drone hit her home in Khimki, a city just northwest of Moscow, and two men died in the village of Pogorelki 10 km north of the capital, according to local Gov. Andrei Vorobyev.
In social media updates, Vorobyev said Ukrainian drones had also damaged unspecified “infrastructure” and several high-rises.
In Moscow itself, at least 12 people were wounded in the nighttime strike, mostly near the entrance to the city's oil refinery, mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported. Sobyanin reported the “technology” of the refinery has not been damaged.
Russian defences shot down 81 drones headed for Moscow overnight, state agency Tass reported, citing Sobyanin, marking one of the largest attacks on the Russian capital since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
One man was also killed as a drone struck a lorry in the Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, according to local authorities.
Russian air defences destroyed 556 drones over Russia overnight, the country's defence ministry said Sunday morning. Shortly after midday local time, it reported that over 1,000 had been shot down or jammed in the previous 24 hours.
Russia's largest airport — Moscow's Sheremetyevo — said drone debris had fallen on its premises without causing damage.
Russia attacked Ukraine with 287 drones overnight on Sunday, 279 of which were shot down or jammed, the Ukrainian air force reported.
According to Ukraine's estate emergency service, the strikes injured 8 people in Ukraine's central Dnipropetrovsk region: three in the regional capital of Dnipro, four in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown of Kryvyi Rih, and one in the district of Synelkove.
Residential buildings were damaged in all three locations, the service said.
