Why France chose India's 'All We Imagine...' for Oscars
Payal Kapadia's film All We Imagine as Light, which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, has found itself in a unique position. Despite being an Indian director's film led by a primarily Indian cast, it was shortlisted by France's Oscar committee along with three other films. The reason? Because it's mainly produced by a French company. Does it mean it won't be selected/shortlisted by India? Not necessarily.
Film's Indian co-producers have submitted it for selection in India
The record-breaking film stands to set another milestone—it might be named for the Oscars's international feature category by both France and India. The film's Indian co-producers have submitted it for selection in India. Co-producer Zico Maitra of India's Chalk & Cheese Films told Variety, "While the film's themes are global, this is a story about Mumbai and the lives of women in (Mumbai) and in India. It'd be a great honor to represent our home country at the Academy Awards."
'Incredible seeing a regional language film resonate globally'
Maitra further said, "As Indian producers, it's been incredible seeing a regional language film resonate so deeply with audiences globally, starting with Cannes and the film being the first Indian film to play in competition in 30 years." "We are grateful that the selection committee in France has recognized All We Imagine as Light as a film that should be considered for best international feature," the producer added.
It waited long to land distribution deal in India
Mainly produced by Thomas Hakim and Julian Graff through their France-based company Petit Chaos, All We Imagine as Light has secured distribution deals in most major territories. However, it only secured a distribution deal in its home nation earlier this month. It was acquired by Spirit Media, owned by Baahubali star Rana Daggubati, and will be released in Indian theaters.
What is 'All We Imagine as Light' about?
All We Imagine as Light is Kapadia's narrative directorial debut. The film revolves around two women in Mumbai: Prabha, a troubled nurse who receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband, and Anu, her young roommate who is seeking a place to be intimate with her boyfriend. A trip to a beach town allows them to find a space for their desires to manifest.
