Payal Kapadia Returns to Cannes as Jury Member, Plans New Trilogy

Payal Kapadia Shines on the International Stage

Indian director Payal Kapadia continues to elevate the nation's profile globally. After her film 'All We Imagine As Light' (AWIAL) won the esteemed Grand Prix, she is back at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, this time serving as a jury member.

Gratitude for AWIAL's Success

In a recent discussion at the festival, Kapadia expressed her appreciation for the positive reception of 'All We Imagine As Light' and the accolades it has garnered. She stated, “The film's presence at Cannes and the media coverage significantly aided its visibility. The distribution in India also benefited from this exposure. As a filmmaker, it’s crucial for your work to be seen both at home and abroad, making this recognition a significant advantage for me.”

Plans for a Trilogy

During the conversation, Kapadia revealed her ambition to create a trilogy centered around Mumbai, although she noted that the new films will feature entirely different characters. She shared, “I am currently developing two additional films based in my city, Mumbai. This trilogy will explore the city's complexities and contradictions, and I feel there is still much to uncover before I venture into other projects.”

Overview of 'All We Imagine As Light'

The narrative of 'All We Imagine As Light' follows nurse Prabha, whose life is turned upside down by an unexpected gift from her estranged husband. Simultaneously, her younger roommate Anu faces challenges in maintaining privacy for her relationship amidst the city's chaos. Together, they embark on a road trip to a coastal town, where a magical forest serves as a backdrop for their aspirations.