Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian to win the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival for her film All We Imagine as Light.
The Grand Prix, the second-most prestigious prize of the festival after the Palme d’Or, was awarded to Kapadia at the festival’s closing ceremony on May 25. This accolade is a significant achievement for Indian cinema, marking the first win in 30 years since an Indian film competed for this honor.
Kapadia’s film, which was screened on the night of 23 May, stands out as the first Indian film in three decades and the first ever by an Indian female director to be featured in the main competition. The last Indian entry in the main competition was Shaji N Karun’s Swaham in 1994.
The filmmaker expressed her joy and gratitude upon receiving the award, inviting her actors onto the stage and attributing the film’s success to their contributions. “I am a huge fan of Miguel Gomes, and I follow what he does. Without my actors, this film would not have been possible. It is three women who have given me so much and contributed to the film like a family and made it their own,” said Kapadia.
Kapadia’s heartfelt acceptance speech also addressed the long gap since the last Indian film was selected for the main competition. “It was already a dream to be selected in this competition, and this win is beyond my imagination. I’m very nervous, so I wrote something down. Thank you to the Cannes Film Festival for having our film here. Please don’t wait 30 years to have another Indian film,” she urged.
All We Imagine as Light is a dreamy romantic drama set in Mumbai, exploring the intertwined lives of two women seeking love. Kapadia highlighted the theme of female friendship in her film, emphasizing its importance as a means to promote solidarity, inclusivity, and empathy.
“This film is about friendship, about three very different women. Oftentimes, women are pitted against each other, which is the way our society is designed and it is really unfortunate. But for me, friendship is a very important relationship because it can lead to greater solidarity, inclusivity, and empathy towards each other,” Kapadia remarked.
American actor Viola Davis presented the Grand Prix to Kapadia, who shared the stage with her lead actresses—Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam. The filmmaker extended her heartfelt thanks to the three leading ladies, stating that the film would not have been possible without them.
Kapadia, born in 1986, is an acclaimed Indian filmmaker known for her previous works. She won the Golden Eye award for best documentary at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival for A Night of Knowing Nothing. Her 2017 film Afternoon Clouds was the only Indian film selected for the 70th Cannes Film Festival. With her latest triumph at Cannes, Kapadia continues to break new ground and bring Indian cinema to the global stage.
Interestingly, in 2015, Kapadia led a protest against BJP leader Gajendra Chauhan, believing he was not qualified enough for his position and boycotting classes at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Her activism led to harassment and disciplinary action from Chauhan, and FTII cut her grants. Despite these challenges and attempts to undermine her career, Kapadia refused to bow down. With this win, Kapadia has shown her resilience and artistic vision against all odds.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
