Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light: A Must-See at the 68th BFI London Film Festival

All We Imagine As Light, the acclaimed Indian drama directed by Payal Kapadia, is set to enchant audiences once more at the 68th BFI London Film Festival in 2024. Following its groundbreaking success at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Grand Prix, the film’s participation in this prestigious London festival further cements its status as a cinematic gem.

Payal Kapadia, a rising talent in Indian cinema, has crafted a poignant exploration of working-class life in Mumbai. The film follows the lives of Prabha, Anu, and Parvaty, three hospital employees navigating the challenges and opportunities of the bustling city. Their stories provide a powerful insight into the complexities of urban migration and dislocation.

The film’s journey has been marked by widespread acclaim, boasting a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes from 50 reviews and a near-perfect rating of 93 on Metacritic from 12 reviews. This recognition highlights its compelling storytelling, outstanding performances, and thought-provoking themes.

All We Imagine As Light has also garnered numerous awards, including the Grand Prix at Cannes, a special mention for the Prix des Cinémas Art et Essai, and the RTVE-Another Look Award at the San Sebastián International Film Festival. It was even nominated for Best Film at the Sydney Film Festival.

As the film prepares for its London screening, it faces domestic controversy as well. The Film Federation of India’s choice to submit Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies for the Oscars has sparked criticism, with many arguing that Kapadia’s film, given its historic achievements at Cannes, should have been the rightful representative.

The inclusion of All We Imagine As Light in the BFI London Film Festival presents a fantastic opportunity for audiences to experience this extraordinary film on the big screen. With its powerful narrative and international acclaim, it is a must-see for cinephiles and anyone seeking thought-provoking cinema.

The 68th BFI London Film Festival runs from 9 to 20 October 2024 in London and around the UK.