Indian Filmmakers Shine at Cannes: Historic Wins for Payal Kapadia and FTII Alumni
India Celebrates Remarkable Success at 77th Cannes Film Festival
New Delhi, May 26, 2024: Indian filmmakers have made a significant mark at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, with notable achievements including Payal Kapadia’s Grand Prix win for her film “All We Imagine as Light” and multiple awards for FTII alumni.
Payal Kapadia’s Historic Grand Prix Win
For the first time in 30 years, an Indian film was nominated for the prestigious Palme d’Or. Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light,” an Indo-French co-production, won the Grand Prix, the second-highest award in the category. The film, centered on the lives of two nurses, was granted official Indo-French co-production status and received substantial support from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
FTII Student Chidanand S Naik Wins ‘La Cinef’ Award
Chidanand S Naik, a student at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), won the first prize in the La Cinef section for his short film “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know,” based on Kannada folklore. This 15-minute film is a collaborative effort from FTII’s TV Wing’s one-year program, emphasizing the institute’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
Other Indian Achievements at Cannes
- Anasuya Sengupta became the first Indian to win the Best Actress award in the ‘Un Certain Regard’ category for her performance in “The Shameless.”
- Santosh Sivan, renowned cinematographer, was honored with the Pierre Angénieux Tribute award for his exceptional career.
- Maisam Ali‘s film “In Retreat” was screened at the ACID Cannes sidebar, marking the first time an Indian film was featured in this section.
Celebrating Shyam Benegal’s Legacy
The festival also paid tribute to acclaimed director Shyam Benegal by showcasing his film “Manthan” in the classics section. Preserved at the National Film Archives of India and restored by the Film Heritage Foundation, the film’s screening commemorated its 48th anniversary.
The Bharat Pavilion and Bharat Parv
The Bharat Pavilion, established by NFDC under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, served as a hub for Indian filmmakers and international industry professionals, facilitating over 500 B2B meetings. Additionally, the Bharat Parv celebrated India’s cinematic presence and launched the poster for the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
Promoting Indian Cinema on the Global Stage
India’s historic performance at Cannes underscores the country’s growing influence in global cinema. The government’s efforts, including single-window clearance for film productions, international collaborations, and support for film education through institutions like FTII and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, are paving the way for continued success.
This year’s Cannes Film Festival highlighted India’s vibrant film industry and its capacity to produce world-class cinema, with Indian filmmakers and artists receiving well-deserved recognition on the international stage.
