Cannes 2024: Payal Kapadia's film All We Imagine As Light receives a record-breaking eight-minute standing ovation

All We Imagine As Light, the debut Indian film by Payal Kapadia, caused a stir at its world premiere at Cannes after being the first Indian film in competition in three decades, leaving a lasting impression on international viewers.

The movie, which has put Payal in the running for the coveted Palme d'Or, created a historical moment at the festival. Deadline reported that Payal is the initial Indian female director to showcase a movie in the Cannes competition and the film is also the initial Indian production in competition in the past thirty years.

Payal is proud of being able to make history at the film festival, demonstrating to the world that Indian cinema is not limited to Bollywood.

“India is a country that makes a lot of good films. Not just Bollywood but every state has its industry and there are brilliant filmmakers. I hope that after this we won’t have to wait another 30 years,” also Payal added, “I’m excited and we’re just happy that our film got selected. We didn’t expect it and it’s an honor because there are so many filmmakers in the section that I admire.”

The movie is receiving positive feedback following the showing. Sophie Monk-Kaufman from IndieWire wrote in a review that the film is "gorgeous and absorbing," describing it as a casual everyday scene filled with sensuality in the rain, clothes, food, and women that often goes unnoticed in the busyness of life. A photographer removed from the scene captures a moment that makes you realize its significance.

The movie represents Payal's first appearance in a feature film. A few years ago, her documentary titled A Night of Knowing Nothing won the Golden Eye award at the Cannes Film Festival.