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".
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
