Meet Payal Kapadia: From facing disciplinary action at FTII to scripting history for India at Cannes

Payal Kapadia holds her award and poses with her cast

Filmmaker Payal Kapadia's 'All That We Imagine As Light' became the first Indian film in 30 years to be selected under the Palme d'Or category at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. It is the main competition section of the film festival that is held annually at the French Riviera. On the last day of the festival, the team scripted history by becoming the first Indian film to win the Grand Prix or the jury award. (Note: Chetan Anand's 'Neecha Nagar' won the highest award at Cannes in 1946, an equivalent to today's Palme d'Or).

The FTII Rebel:

But did you know filmmaker Payal Kapadia was branded an anti-national for leading the protest against Gajendra Chauhan's appointment as FTII head back in 2015 when she was a student at the institute? She was at the forefront of the four-month protest against the appointment of Chauhan as the chairperson of the Film and Television Institute of India. This was termed as the longest protest seen on the campus of FTII. Kapadia, along with other fellow students of the prestigious institute also boycotted classes while questioning Chauhan's capabilities to hold the office of the chairperson.

is a former television actor known for his work on Indian television, especially his portrayal of Yudhishthira in the historical television series Mahabharat (1988-90). He has also had significant roles in a few B-rated movies, and a large number of cameo appearances in other films. Following the controversy of his appointment, he tendered his resignation in 2017 from FTII. Actor Anupam Kher replaced him.

During the protest, Pune Police filed an FIR against Kapadia and 34 other students for holding then FTII director Prashant Pathrabe captive over his decision to consider their incomplete assignments for grading. Her scholarship grant had been slashed too.

Payal's first win at Cannes:

In 2017, according to reports, Kapadia received help from the institute for travel to Cannes after her short film 'Afternoon Clouds' was chosen to be screened at the festival.

Before making waves with All That Imagines As Light, Payal's documentary film 'A Night Of Knowing Nothing' had its premiere at the Directors' Fortnight stream at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, where it was named the winner of the L'Œil d'or award for Best Documentary Film. It was subsequently screened at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was one of the winners of the Amplify Voices Award

A university student in India writes letters to her estranged lover. These letters grant insight into the drastic changes taking place around her and the life of her and her fellow students.

Scripting history with All That We Imagine As Light:

On the last day of Cannes 2024 Film Festival, India scripted history as Payal Kapadia's 'All That We Imagine As Light' won the Grand Prix. The film stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha and Chayya Kadam in pivotal roles narrating a tale of female friendship against the backdrop of Mumbai.

"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.