Filmmaker Payal Kapadia recently shared her thoughts on her film All We Imagine As Light not being chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars. In an interview with Times of India, she also discussed whether she plans to submit the film as an independent contender, along with her perspective on Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, which was selected as the official entry.
Reflecting on what recognition at prestigious festivals means to her, Payal said, “Cannes brought so much attention to our film within India, and that recognition led to distribution, which is such a rewarding outcome. The biggest joy as a filmmaker is seeing your film in cinemas, where audiences buy a ticket and watch your work. That’s why we make films—to share them with people.” She emphasized that having the film available in theaters allows her to contribute to the cinematic experience, something she cherishes deeply as a filmmaker.
When asked about the possibility of submitting her film to the Oscars independently, Payal explained, “The film will release in India and the U.S. next month, so we’ll see how the audience reacts. As for entering the Oscar race independently, that decision isn’t entirely in my hands.” She expressed her support for Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, calling it a “fun, wonderful movie,” and added, “I’m happy as an audience member to see it selected. I loved Kiran Rao’s previous work, Dhobi Ghat, so I’m excited to see where this goes. Any recognition All We Imagine As Light gets is just a bonus for me.”
All We Imagine As Light has already received international acclaim, winning the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, making it the first Indian film to receive such an honor. The film recently screened to a packed audience at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival and is expected to release soon in India and abroad. Set in Mumbai, the film follows the life of Prabha (played by Kani Kusruti), a nurse whose life is turned upside down when she receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband. It also features the struggles of Anu, her roommate and colleague, who faces challenges in finding privacy with her boyfriend in the bustling city.