All We Imagine As Light Create History At Cannes

All We Imagine As Light create history at Cannes. Payal Kapadia's "All We Imagine As Light," the first Indian film to compete at Cannes in 30 years, made a significant impact at its world premiere on Thursday. The film received an enthusiastic eight-minute standing ovation, one of the longest of this year's festival, solidifying its place as a strong contender for the prestigious Palme d'Or.

This achievement marks a historical moment, as Payal becomes the first female Indian filmmaker to screen a film in the Cannes competition. "All We Imagine As Light" is also the first Indian production to compete in three decades.

Payal expressed her pride in making history, showcasing the diverse talent of Indian cinema beyond Bollywood. "India produces many great films," she told Deadline. "Not just Bollywood, but every state has its own film industry with brilliant filmmakers. I hope after this, we won't have to wait another 30 years."

The director acknowledged the honor of being selected for the competition, stating, "We didn't expect it, and it's an honor because there are so many filmmakers in this section that I really admire."

Payal's film is competing against prestigious works by Jacques Audiard, Yorgos Lanthimos, David Cronenberg, Paul Schrader, and Jia Zhangke.

Celebrating on the Red Carpet:

Before the premiere, the cast and crew of "All We Imagine As Light" celebrated their achievement on the red carpet, radiating joy and excitement. The team danced their way to the Palais, their smiles and infectious energy attracting attention. The cast, including Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, and Hridhu Haroon, posed for photos and embraced the moment.

Early Reviews:

Early reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the film's beauty and emotional impact. Sophie Monk-Kaufman of IndieWire describes the film as "gorgeous and absorbing," highlighting its "sensuality" and ability to capture the richness of everyday moments. The Guardian calls it a "dreamlike and gentle modern Mumbai tale," while Variety labels it a "glowing portrait of urban connection and unexpected sisterhood."

A Story of Dreams and Connection:

"All We Imagine As Light" is an Indo-French production that follows the journey of Prabha (Kani Kusruti), a nurse who receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband. Her friend and roommate, Anu (Divya Prabha), is seeking a quiet retreat with her lover. Together, they embark on a road trip to a beach town, where they find space to explore their dreams and desires.