Filmmaker Payal Kapadia returns to Cannes as jury member after Grand Prix win

Filmmaker Payal Kapadia is set to return to the Cannes Film Festival as part of its esteemed jury after winning the Grand Prix for her debut feature film 'All We Imagine As Light' in 2024. The announcement was made on Monday by festival organizers, highlighting Kalidia's significant achievements in the film industry, including previous accolades at Cannes La Cinefondation with her short film 'Afternoon Clouds' in 2017, and her non-fiction film 'A Night of Knowing Nothing', which won the L'Œil d'or award for best documentary in 2021. Kapadia's film 'All We Imagine As Light' has been celebrated for its poignant exploration of female friendship, love, and longing in Mumbai, marking a historic return for Indian cinema to the Cannes Competition after a 30-year hiatus. In this upcoming 78th edition of Cannes, the jury will be chaired by acclaimed French actress Juliette Binoche, and it includes prominent individuals such as Halle Berry, Alba Rohrwacher, Leila Slimani, Dieudo Hamadi, Hong Sangsoo, Carlos Reygadas, and Jeremy Strong. As the jury will determine who will receive the prestigious Palme d'Or from the 21 films in competition, anticipation mounts for the event that will run from May 13 to 24. The festival has seen a rich history of Indian filmmakers participating in the jury, with past figures like Mira Nair and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan also recognized for their contributions to global cinema. The event not only showcases films but also serves to honor the artistry and cultural narratives that various filmmakers bring to light on an international stage. The unique blend of jury members ranging from prominent actors to respected filmmakers highlights the festival's commitment to celebrating diverse voices in cinema, ultimately shaping the landscape of contemporary filmmaking. The winners, including the coveted Palme d’or, will be announced on May 24 during the festival's closing ceremony, broadcast live, capturing global attention.