The MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024 is set to open with one of the year’s most anticipated films, All We Imagine as Light, a Malayalam-language drama by Payal Kapadia. This film has already made history as the first Indian film to win the prestigious Grand Prix at the 77th Festival de Cannes. With a premiere on 23 May 2024 at Cannes, it received an eight-minute standing ovation and marked the first Indian film to compete in the main competition since 1994.
All We Imagine as Light follows the journey of two Malayali nurses, Prabha and Anu, who work in Mumbai and are grappling with personal issues in their relationships. Seeking respite, they embark on a road trip to a beach town, where a mystical forest becomes a symbolic space for their dreams. The film delves into the lives of these working-class women, navigating the challenges of urban migration and their dislocation in the fast-paced city of Mumbai. Kapadia, through her storytelling, presents a vivid and powerful portrayal of the struggles and aspirations of these women, providing insight into the complexities of life in the city.
Kapadia’s success has stirred conversations, particularly surrounding the Film Federation of India’s decision to submit Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies for the Oscars, leading to criticism that All We Imagine as Light, given its global recognition, was a more deserving candidate.
Opening the festival on 19 October 2024, the film sets a high standard for South Asia’s premier festival, which is dedicated to showcasing new cinematic voices and fostering collaboration in the film industry. With Kapadia’s poignant narrative and standout performances by Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha, the film is positioned as a significant highlight of the festival. The MAMI Mumbai Film Festival will run from 19 to 24 October, featuring a lineup of critically acclaimed films, culminating with Sean Baker’s Anora as the closing film.
