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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If Bumrah is not fit then a score of around 200 also might not be enough: Gavaskar
Sydney, Jan 4: Batting great Sunil Gavaskar feels India will struggle to defend even 200 in case premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah is unable to bowl at full throttle on the third day of the fifth and final Test against Australia here on Sunday.
Bumrah had left the field for scans during the second day's post-lunch session after bowling just one over, having experienced some discomfort. However, he returned to the dressing room after undergoing precautionary scans for an unspecified niggle.
India pacer Prasidh Krishna said his skipper had suffered back spasm.
The medical team was monitoring him as India ended the day 145 runs in front with four second innings wickets left on a SCG track which is aiding the bowlers.
"Look, if India scores 40 more runs or they put 185 on the board then they have a great chance but it all depends on Jasprit Bumrah's fitness. If Jasprit Bumrah is fit then 145-150 might be enough. But if Bumrah is not fit then a score of around 200 also might not be enough," said Gavaskar on Star Sports on Saturday.
Gavaskar also said maintaining secrecy around Bumrah's status is not going to help the Australians, who have so far struggled to counter the threat posed by the Indian pace spearhead.
"One thing that I liked was when he came back after the scan, obviously it took a lot of time because the hospital is a bit far, but he looked in good shape and his body language was such that there was no indication of the Australian team and it is very important to maintain the secrecy.
"Because, tactically you do not want to announce whether Bumrah will be available for bowling or not, and even if he is not available and this news goes across the opposition dressing room because till now Australian batsmen haven't found out a way to counter him, they don’t know whether they should attack, defend, or whether they should play on front-foot.
"So to execute this plan it is important to maintain secrecy, so Bumrah and the Indian team management managed it quite well," Gavaskar said.
The pacer has already taken 32 wickets in the series, and had figures of 2/33 in 10 overs before leaving the field, having removed Marnus Labuschagne in the morning session and Usman Khawaja on the last ball of the first evening.
