What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Explore the diverse narratives of Indian cinema at the 77th Cannes Film Festival with seven Indian films making a mark. From the Palme d’Or-contending ‘All We Imagine As Light’ to the poignant ‘Kooki’, and the classic ‘Manthan’ in Cannes Classics, witness India’s cinematic journey on the global stage
NEW DELHI: The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival began on Tuesday at the French Riviera in Cannes, France. One of the biggest film festivals in the world, lasting 12 days, Cannes is set to feature 7 Indian films this time.
Here’s a list of 7 Indian films:
1. All We Imagine As Light
Directed by Priyanka Kapadia, All We Imagine As Light, has become the first Indian movie in nearly 30 years to contest for the Palme d’Or award (highest award) at the Cannes. Last Indian film to be nominated in this category was Swaham in 1994. The story of this Malayalam movie is about two women living together in Mumbai. Grappling with relationship challenges, they embark on a road trip to find space for their desires to take shape.
2. Santosh
The debut film of Sandhya Suri, Santosh has made it to the Un Certain Regards section of the festival. This section celebrates film with unusual styles and non-traditional stories. This Hindi movie is the story of the grief of a recently widowed woman who inherits her deceased husband’s job as a cop in a rural region of the country. It details her role in the investigation into the rape and murder of low-caste girl.
3. In Retreat
Made by FTII alumnus Maisam Ali, ‘In Retreat’ has become the first Indian film to premiere in the ACID section at Cannes. This category is known for showcasing and promoting Independent Cinema. This English movie is about a man who returns to his hometown Ladakh after many years. It explores the belonging and not belonging of an individual at a place, which was once his home.
4. Sister Midnight
Starring Radhika Apte, this movie follows a newlywed who has to navigate the many aspects of an arranged marriage in a small town. This Hindi-language black comedy directed by Karan Kandhari is the only Indian film to premiere at the Director’s Fortnight section of the festival.
5. The Shameless
Made by the Bulgarian director Konstantin Bojanov, The Shameless follows the story of two women in a Delhi brothel whose bond develops into a forbidden romance. Featuring a mix of Indian and Nepali actors, this Hindi movie is set to feature in the Un Certain section at Cannes.
6. Sunflowers were the first to know
This Kannada short film by Chidananda Naik tells the story of an elderly woman who steals the village’s rooster, causing chaos in the community and condemning her family to exile. Made by an FTII student, this movie is the only Indian movie to feature in the La Cine section at Cannes 2024.
7. Kooki
Directed by Pranab J. Deka this Hindi film from Assam narrates the trauma of a 16-year-old rape survivor who feels let down by the judicial system that fails to deliver justice for her.
Special Mention:
Manthan
A 1976 movie starring Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, Girish Karnad, and Amrish Puri is all set to screen at Cannes 24 under the Cannes Classic Selection category. Directed by Shyam Benegal, this movie is set against the backdrop of the White Revolution in India. Hailed as the first crowdfunded film of India, this film won the 1977 National Film Award for the best feature film in Hindi. A restored version of this classic movie is all set to release at one of the most prestigious film festivals.
