Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia, known for her award-winning film ‘All We Imagine as Light’ at the Cannes Film Festival, is set to preside over the jury at the 65th Critics’ Week in Cannes. Joining her on the jury are actor Théodore Pellerin, singer-songwriter Oklou, producer Ama Ampadu, and director Donsaron Kovitvanitcha. Critics’ Week praised Kapadia’s unique blend of poetry and political commentary in her films, highlighting her focus on folk myths, class struggles, and women’s realities.
Having studied directing at the Film & Television Institute of India, Kapadia’s short films ‘Afternoon Clouds’ and ‘And What Is the Summer Saying’ gained recognition at prestigious film events. Her documentary ‘A Night of Knowing Nothing’ was honored at the Directors’ Fortnight in 2021, while her second feature ‘All We Imagine as Light’ clinched the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2024. Kapadia emphasized the importance of film festivals in nurturing emerging filmmakers and preserving independent cinema against market pressures.
Kapadia stressed the significance of supporting first-time filmmakers and the role of film criticism in promoting diverse voices in the industry. She highlighted the need to safeguard the creative freedom and individuality of debut works, underscoring the importance of platforms like Critics’ Week in fostering new talent amidst established filmmakers.
