Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light Wins Big at the 18th Asian Film Awards

A Historic Win for Indian Cinema

Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s debut fiction feature, All We Imagine As Light, has made history by winning the Best Film award at the 18th Asian Film Awards. The prestigious event, often referred to as the “Asian Oscars,” was held at Hong Kong’s Xiqu Centre and recognized outstanding contributions to Asian cinema.

This marks a monumental achievement for Indian cinema, as it is the first time an Indian film has ever won the Best Film award at the Asian Film Awards. The recognition places Kapadia’s work alongside some of the most acclaimed films from across Asia, further solidifying her reputation as a visionary filmmaker.

A Cinematic Triumph: Story and Themes

All We Imagine As Light is a deeply moving film that tells the story of three nurses living and working in Mumbai, navigating the challenges of their personal and professional lives. The film captures the intricacies of urban existence, friendships, and the quiet struggles that often go unnoticed.

The narrative explores themes of:

✅ Female camaraderie and solidarity in a fast-paced city.
✅ Class struggles and economic hardships faced by working women.
✅ Dreams, desires, and personal aspirations that exist beyond daily responsibilities.

Kapadia’s storytelling is subtle yet powerful, weaving emotions and realism to create an immersive cinematic experience. The film’s poetic visual language and sensitive character portrayals have been widely praised by critics and audiences alike.

Shahana Goswami and Sandhya Suri Shine Bright

Apart from Kapadia’s win, the ceremony also celebrated the achievements of Shahana Goswami, who won the Best Actress award for her role in Santosh. Her nuanced performance as a woman battling societal and personal conflicts received widespread acclaim.

Additionally, Sandhya Suri was awarded Best New Director for Santosh, highlighting the growing presence of Indian female filmmakers making a mark on the international stage.

Why This Win Is Significant

🔹 First Indian film to win Best Film at the Asian Film Awards.
🔹 A big moment for independent Indian cinema, proving that films beyond Bollywood can receive global recognition.
🔹 Strengthens India’s position in the global film industry, showcasing unique narratives and fresh storytelling approaches.

Kapadia’s success at the Asian Film Awards follows her impressive journey as a filmmaker. She first gained international attention for her documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing, which won the Golden Eye award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021.

Kapadia’s Directorial Vision and Future Prospects

Kapadia, an alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), has always been known for her deeply introspective and socially relevant storytelling. Her transition from documentary filmmaking to feature films has been seamless, with her work continuing to push boundaries.

Her win at the Asian Film Awards is expected to:

✔ Open doors for more international collaborations and festival screenings.
✔ Inspire young independent filmmakers in India to tell bold, unconventional stories.
✔ Encourage more female directors to step into mainstream cinema.

A Moment of Pride for Indian Cinema

Payal Kapadia’s win at the 18th Asian Film Awards marks a turning point for Indian cinema, proving that stories rooted in realism and emotional depth can find a place on the global stage. As she continues her journey, the world eagerly anticipates her next cinematic masterpiece.