Payal Kapadia’s acclaimed narrative feature debut, All We Imagine as Light, delves into the tight-knit community of women within the intergenerational nursing profession.
Kapadia, who gained recognition for her documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing, which won the Cannes Golden Eye award in 2021, has been developing this film since her time in film school. Marking a significant achievement, All We Imagine as Light became the first Indian film to compete at the Cannes Film Festival in three decades, ultimately winning the Grand Prize.
The film’s official synopsis reveals its focus on two roommates who are also colleagues at a city hospital: head nurse Prabha (played by Kani Kusruti) and recent hire Anu (Divya Prabha), alongside their coworker, cook Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam). Kapadia’s narrative captures the intricacies of connection and heartache, as well as hope and disappointment among the trio. Prabha, whose husband lives in distant Germany due to an arranged marriage, finds herself drawn to a doctor at her workplace. Anu navigates a secret romance with a Muslim man, which she must conceal from her strict Hindu family, while Parvaty faces an unexpected eviction from her home. Kapadia effectively contrasts the vibrancy of the bustling metropolis with the serene beauty of a seaside village, brought to life through her talented cast and a camera that blends lyrical naturalism with dreamlike imagery.
Kapadia expressed her commitment to portraying strong female relationships in her work. “For me, it was normal to have a film where there were so many female characters,” she stated. “I feel a deep connection to female friendship and companionship, which has greatly impacted my life. It’s a complex and nuanced experience, and I wanted to explore these different layers of femininity within the country.” She explained that the film begins with an elderly woman and concludes with a young girl who defies traditional gender norms, showcasing the diverse experiences of women at various life stages.
The film premiered in North America at the Telluride Film Festival and went on to screen at both the Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival. Despite its accolades, All We Imagine as Light was not selected by India for its Oscar submission, even though it was shortlisted in France, which ultimately chose Emilia Pérez instead.
All We Imagine as Light is set to premiere in theaters on November 15, distributed by Sideshow/Janus Films.
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