Payal Kapadia’s Cannes winner All We Imagine as Light begins Oscar-qualifying run with Kerala theatrical release

The film’s central theme revolves around the idea of light, both literal and metaphorical. For the women in the film, light becomes a symbol of hope, survival, and the possibility of imagining a future beyond their immediate circumstances. However, the light is also elusive, constantly shifting and slipping away, much like the memories and identities the film seeks to capture. This interplay between light and darkness forms the visual and emotional core of Kapadia’s film. Visually, the film is a triumph. Kapadia’s background as a visual artist is evident in her carefully composed shots, which often linger on faces, landscapes, and everyday objects, inviting the audience to reflect on the stories they hold. The use of archival footage, a signature element of Kapadia’s style, adds another layer of meaning to the film. By incorporating images from the past, she creates a dialogue between history and the present, suggesting that the struggles faced by women today are part of a larger continuum. The decision to release All We Imagine as Light in Kerala is both strategic and symbolic. Kerala has long been regarded as the cultural capital of India’s parallel cinema movement. The state’s film culture, deeply rooted in realism and social critique, has produced some of India’s most revered filmmakers, such as Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Shaji N. Karun. The audience in Kerala is known for its discerning taste and appreciation for films that challenge mainstream narratives, making it an ideal location to begin the Oscar-qualifying run. The timing of the release is crucial as well, as it coincides with the beginning of the Oscar-qualifying period, when films must complete a limited theatrical run to be eligible for nomination. By starting the journey in Kerala, Kapadia is not only securing eligibility but also positioning the film in a market that values art-house cinema, which could help generate the critical buzz needed for the film to gain momentum internationally. Payal Kapadia’s rise in Indian cinema has been nothing short of remarkable. After graduating from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), she quickly established herself as a director with a distinctive voice and a commitment to exploring unconventional narratives. Her previous films, such as A Night of Knowing Nothing—which also garnered critical acclaim—showcased her ability to blend personal and political narratives seamlessly. In All We Imagine as Light, Kapadia takes these themes to new heights, crafting a film that is both deeply personal and universally relevant. Her ability to capture the emotional nuances of her characters while simultaneously commenting on broader societal issues sets her apart from many of her contemporaries. Kapadia’s work is often described as meditative, and All We Imagine as Light is no exception. The film invites viewers to sit with the discomfort of uncertainty, much like the characters in the film, who are constantly negotiating their place in a world that seeks to erase them. For Kapadia, the Oscar-qualifying run represents a new chapter in her already illustrious career. While the film’s success at Cannes has certainly raised expectations, the road to the Oscars is fraught with competition from around the world. However, given the film’s critical acclaim and Kapadia’s growing reputation as a filmmaker to watch, All We Imagine as Light stands a strong chance of making it to the final nomination list. The film’s Oscar campaign will likely focus on its artistic merit, its exploration of timely issues such as gender and identity, and Kapadia’s unique directorial style.