‘All We Imagine as Light’ director Payal Kapadia lauds Malayalam cinema

Payal Kapadia made history on May 25, becoming the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival for her film 'All We Imagine as Light'. The award, which is the second-most prestigious prize at the festival after the Palme d'Or, was a significant achievement for Indian cinema. The Palme d'Or this year went to American director Sean Baker for his film Anora.

During a press event following her win, Kapadia praised Malayalam cinema and its audiences. She highlighted the diversity and quality of films being produced in Kerala, noting that even art house films receive good distribution there—a situation that differs from much of the rest of India.

“Cinema from Kerala has an immense range of films being made,” Kapadia remarked. “I think the audience in Kerala is really open to watching different kinds of films. They are lucky to be part of a large variety of films.”

Payal Kapadia's film, which was screened on Thursday night, is notable not only for its award but also for its significance in Indian film history. 'All We Imagine as Light' is the first Indian film in 30 years and the first ever by an Indian female director to be showcased in the main competition at Cannes. The last Indian movie selected for the main competition was Shaji N. Karun's 1994 film Swaham.

The recognition of All We Imagine as Light at such a prestigious platform shows the growing global presence and acclaim of Indian cinema.

The movie had the Malayalam actors Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha in the lead.