Filmmaker Payal Kapadia is back. Three years after her documentary “A Night of Knowing Nothing”, she presents “All We Imagine as Light”, a vibrant and deliciously poetic work of fiction.
Abandoned by her husband who left for Germany, Prabha (Kani Kusruti) shares a tiny apartment with young Anu (Divya Prabha). Spontaneous and optimistic, the latter experiences a secret love with Shiaz (Hridhu Haroon), a Muslim man. For her part, Parvaty (Chaya Kadam) struggles not to be evicted from her home. Together, they work in a hospital in Mumbai. Crushed under the weight of traditions and class distinctions, the three women help and support each other.
Selected in competition for the Palme d’Or at the last Cannes Film Festival, “All We Imagine as Light” marks the third appearance of Payal Kapadia on the Croisette. In 2017, she presented her short film “Afternoon Clouds”, while in 2021, she won the Golden Eye for best documentary with “All a night without knowing”. This year, it won the Grand Prize, a historic first for an Indian film, during the 77th edition of the festival. As remarkable in its form as in its content, the work could only seduce.
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Originally from Mumbai, Payal Kapadia brilliantly captures the oppressive atmosphere of the megalopolis: its accumulation of concrete and metal, and its omnipresent urban planning, accentuated by an almost permanent darkness. Fortunately, the last part of the film offers a striking contrast, immersing the spectators in the lush and captivating nature of the small country villages. Antithetical settings which come together admirably thanks to the visual poetry of the signed photography Ranabir Das.
Pleasantly contemplative, the story is enhanced by a captivating, simple and effective soundtrack. The compositions of Topshe fit perfectly into the daily lives of the three heroines, interpreted with strength and sincerity by Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha et Chaya Kadam. A brilliant cast that takes the audience into a whirlwind of emotions. A cinematic journey not to be missed.
“All We Imagine as Light” has been available since December 18, 2024.
Trailer for “All We Imagine as Light”
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