Payal Kapadia, an Indian director, made history recently when her film All We Imagine as Light won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. In thirty years, this was the first Indian film to be chosen for the "In Competition" section.
Payal gave a touching winning speech Friday night, May 25, when she and the cast of her film went on stage to claim the second-highest accolade at the festival.
Payal Kapadia took center stage on May 25 at the 77th Cannes FilmFestival's awards ceremony to take home the Grand Prix for her movie All We Imagine as Light. She started, “Wow, thank you so much for this.” Speaking before the Greta Gerwig-led jury, Payal conveyed, “It was already a dream to be selected in competition, and this was beyond my imagination, so thank you.”
The All We Imagine As Light's actresses Kani Kusruti, Chhaya Kadam, and Divya Prabha escorted Payal to the stage. The director said, “Because I’m a huge fan of Miguel Gomes, I follow what he does and also invite my actors here on stage. Because without them, I don't think this film would’ve been possible.”
She expressed her appreciation to the actors by saying, “It's three women who have given me so much and really contributed to the film like a family and made it their own. So, thank you, ladies.”
Then Payal went on, stating, “I’m very nervous, so I wrote something down. Thank you very much to the Cannes Film Festival for having our film here. Please don’t wait 30 years to have another Indian film.” She also thanked her producers for supporting her “weird idea” and acknowledged the partners and the entire crew, adding, “It really takes a village to make a film, so it couldn't have been possible without them.”
Regarding the movie, Payal simplified, "This film is about the friendship between three very different women. Oftentimes, women are pitted against each other. This is the way our society is designed, and that's really unfortunate. But for me, friendship is a very important relationship because it can lead to greater solidarity, inclusivity, and empathy towards each other, which is why these are the values that I feel we should all be striving for.”
Payal continued by praising the festival's backstage crew for their amazing effort and the seamless operation of the occasion.
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