Payal Kapadia's 'All We Imagine as Light' Illuminates Cannes and Challenges Indian Norms

The film, which won the Cannes Grand Prix, explores themes of women's autonomy and societal pressures in modern Mumbai.

• Payal Kapadia's film 'All We Imagine as Light' became the first Indian film in 30 years to compete at Cannes and won the Grand Prix.
• The film weaves a narrative around three working-class women in Mumbai, touching on themes of friendship, love, and societal divisions.
• Kapadia's storytelling subtly critiques India's political and social structures, using visual metaphors to highlight issues like Islamophobia and class disparity.
• 'All We Imagine as Light' was not selected for India's Oscar entry, sparking discussions about the representation of women's perspectives in Indian cinema.
• Kapadia blends fiction and nonfiction elements to create a textured portrayal of Mumbai, reflecting on the city's challenges and potentials for women's independence.

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