News Mania desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/16th May 2024
The Cannes 2024 Film Festival is set to kick off on May 14, promising an array of cinematic delights from filmmakers around the world. This prestigious event, running until May 25, serves as a platform for filmmakers and actors to convene and celebrate the art of cinema.
One of the standout entries from India is Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light,” marking the first Indian film in 30 years to feature in the prestigious Palme d’Or main competition. The movie, an Indo-French co-production, follows the narrative of two Kerala nurses working in a Mumbai nursing home, portrayed by Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha. Kapadia’s project joins 19 other anticipated titles, including works from renowned directors such as Francis Ford Coppola and Yorgos Lanthimos.
In the Directors Fortnight category, Karan Kandhari’s “Sister Midnight” has garnered attention, although details about the film remain scarce. Its inclusion in this esteemed category underscores the film’s quality and potential impact.
Sandhya Suri’s “Santosh” will be showcased in the Un Certain Regard section, delving into the lives of a family grappling with the aftermath of a tragic event. This poignant film explores themes of grief, memory, and the complexities of human relationships.
Maisam Ali’s “In Retreat” finds its place in the ACID section at Cannes, offering a compelling narrative about belonging and home as a man embarks on a one-night pilgrimage to his hometown after many years.
“The Shameless,” directed by Bulgarian-American filmmaker Konstantin Bojanov, premieres in the Un Certain Regard section. The film follows the journey of a young woman, played by Anasuya Sengupta, who escapes from a brothel in Delhi and seeks refuge among a community of sex workers. Auroshikha Dey, known for her role as Jhalkari Bai in “The Warrior Queen of Jhansi,” portrays the fiery character Durva in this powerful narrative.
Shyam Benegal’s iconic 1976 masterpiece, “Manthan,” has been restored and will grace the screens at Cannes. The film, which explores India’s ‘White Revolution,’ has been meticulously refurbished, allowing a new generation to appreciate its timeless storytelling and cultural significance.
Additionally, “Sunflowers Were The First To Know,” a short film crafted by students from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, has been selected to compete in the La Cinef category. Directed by Mr. Chidanand Naik, the rural drama promises to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling and cinematic craftsmanship.
These diverse entries from India showcase the country’s rich cinematic landscape and its filmmakers’ ability to tackle a wide range of themes with depth and nuance. As they grace the screens at Cannes, these films have the opportunity to captivate global audiences and leave a lasting impact on the world of cinema.
