What is All We Imagine As Light?
All We Imagine As Light is the debut feature film by Indian filmmaker payal kapadia , which recently garnered international acclaim by winning the Grand Prix at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2024. The film is an Indo-French co-production, produced by Chalk and Cheese Films from India and Petit Chaos from France, and it uniquely blends Malayalam and Hindi storytelling payal kapadia.
When Did the Film Release in India?
The film premiered in select theatres in Kerala on September 21, 2024. This limited release comes after its significant recognition at Cannes, where it marked a historic win for India as the first film to secure the Grand Prix award and the first Indian film in 30 years to compete in Cannes’ main competition.
Why Did the Limited Release Occur?
The limited release in India is largely due to eligibility requirements set by the Film Federation of India for the Oscars. To qualify as India’s official entry for the 97th Academy Awards in the Best International Film category, All We Imagine As Light had to confirm a theatrical release of at least seven days before the September 30, 2024, deadline. By fulfilling this criterion, the film now stands a chance to compete for an Oscar, despite France having already selected another film, Emilia Perez, as its official entry.
Where Did the Release Take Place?
The film has been released exclusively in Kerala, where its leading characters hail from. The choice to start the release in this region reflects the film’s connection to the local culture and narratives.
Who is Involved in the Film?
All We Imagine As Light features notable performances from actors Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam. Kani plays Prabha, a Mumbai nurse dealing with the emotional upheaval caused by a rice cooker gift from her estranged husband. Divya Prabha portrays Anu, Prabha’s roommate navigating her own romantic struggles. Chhaya Kadam plays Parvati, a widow confronting challenges posed by property developers.
The film is distributed in India by Spirit Media, founded by Telugu actor Rana Daggubati. He has expressed immense pride in bringing this remarkable film to Indian audiences, calling it “the most phenomenal thing I have seen in recent times.”
What’s Next for All We Imagine As Light?
Following its limited release in Kerala, the film is expected to expand its audience reach in India, aiming to garner interest and support for its potential Oscar run. The film has already drawn considerable international acclaim, and further screenings may be planned to maximize its visibility ahead of award season.
What Are the Impacts of the Film?
All We Imagine As Light not only shines a light on the evolving Indian cinema landscape but also sets a precedent for future filmmakers aiming to achieve international recognition. Its win at Cannes highlights the potential for Indian narratives on global platforms, potentially inspiring a new generation of storytellers in India.
Brief
Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light represents a significant milestone for Indian cinema. As it begins its journey in Kerala theatres, all eyes are on its potential impact both domestically and internationally.
