Cannes 2024: PM Narendra Modi says ‘India is proud of Payal Kapadia’ as 'All That We Imagine As Light' wins the Grand Prix

Team of All That We Imagine As Light after winning Grand Prix

It was a huge day for India yesterday as Payal Kapadia's "All That We Imagine As Light" won the Grand Prix on the last day of the Cannes 2024 Film Festival, scripting history. The film, starring Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chayya Kadam in pivotal roles, narrates a tale of female friendship against the backdrop of Mumbai. ‘All That We Imagine As Light' became the first Indian film in 30 years to be selected for the main competition (Palme d'Or).

After the announcement, congratulatory messages started pouring in for the leading ladies from around the world. Now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself took to his Instagram to send wishes to the team as they made India proud on the global platform.

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While taking to X PM Modi wrote, "India is proud of Payal Kapadia for her historic feat of winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her work ‘All We Imagine as Light'. An alumnus of FTII, her remarkable talent continues to shine on the global stage, giving a glimpse of the rich creativity in India. This prestigious accolade not only honors her exceptional skills but also inspires a new generation of Indian filmmakers."

‘All We Imagine…' is the first Indian movie in 30 years to qualify for the festival's competition section, which makes Kapadia a contender for the prestigious Palme d'Or. The eight-minute standing ovation at the end of the film's screening was definitely among the longest of this edition of the film festival.

"This film is about the friendship between three different women, and often times women are pitted against each other. This is the way our society is designed and it is really unfortunate. But for me, friendship is an important relationship. It can lead to greater solidarity and inclusivity and empathy towards each other, which is why I feel these are the values which we should always strive for," Payal said in her acceptance speech, receiving a thunderous applause.

The team of the film, including Chhaya Kadam, Hridhu Haroon, Kani Kusruti, Payal Kapadia, Divya Prabha, Ranabir Das, Julien Graff, Zico Maitra, and Thomas Hakim, walked the red carpet in stunning outfits. However, it was the team dancing and enjoying their big moment that won hearts.