The curtain will soon rise on the 77th edition of the Cannes Festival, scheduled for May 14 to 25, 2024. This year, while Arab cinema is discreet and even almost absent, India takes the Cannes stage by assault with several films selected in different sections, thus marking a significant advance in the global recognition of Indian cinema.
This cinema, often unknown and misunderstood outside of its borders, is however one of the largest and diverse in the world, even competing with the American film industry.
Indian films selected at 77th Cannes Film Festival are:
Official competition:
All we imagine as light From Payal Kapadia: This first feature of Kapadia fiction offers a poetic exploration of urban life in India, highlighting the dreams and aspirations of two roommates in a coastal village.
Synopsis:
Prabha, a nurse living in Mumbai, hides her inner torment by throwing herself headlong into her work. When she receives an unexpected gift, she can no longer escape the past that she has hitherto tried to dismiss. Anu, her young and carefree roommate, is looking for a place in the city where she and her lover can finally make love. The two women go to a coastal city. There, a tropical forest becomes a space of freedom where their desires can finally manifest themselves.
It is the first time since 1994 that an Indian film has been selected in official competition, thus marking a major event in the history of Indian cinema and its recognition at the international level.
A certain look:
– Santosh From Sandhya Suri: This poignant film explores the emotional journey of a young woman faced with the loss of her police husband, offering a meditation on mourning and resilience in contemporary Indian society.
Synopsis:
After the death of her husband, Santosh, a young woman, inherits her post and became a policewoman in the arid lands of northern India. When it is called to the murder of a young girl of the lower caste, Santosh finds herself immersed in a tortuous investigation alongside the charismatic Inspector Sharma, who takes her under her wing.
– The Shameless From Konstantin Bojanov: Diving in the heart of contemporary India, this film explores the complexities of love and identity through the history of two women seeking refuge with sex workers.
Synopsis:
Rani, an Indian prostitute announces to her family that she is going on a pilgrimage in a distant temple. The journey will constitute for her an opportunity to reflect on her tumultuous past, in particular her story of youthful love with another girl, Renuka, now incarcerated in perpetuity for murder in Bangalore, a city which is rightly on the way to Rani.
Cannes Classics:
Manthan From Shyam Benegal: presented in the Classics Cannes section, this film offers a deep reflection on the social and economic struggles of Indian farmers, offering an enlightening look at the history and culture of India.
Synopsis:
Doctor Rao, a veterinarian, tries to found a dairy cooperative in a village dominated by Mishraji, which operates milk producers. Helped by Bindu, a Dalit woman, Rao seeks the support of this community for her business. Despite the obstacles, the cooperative finally wins the support of the village, but finds itself faced with corruption and political intrigue.
This year marks the third consecutive year that a restored Indian film is selected in the Cannes Classics section, stressing the continuous commitment of the Cannes Film Festival to preserve and celebrate the world cinematographic heritage, including that of India.
CINEF:
Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know From Chidananda S. Naik: This short film offers a tender and funny look at the rural life of India, captivating by its simplicity and its authenticity.
Synopsis:
Once upon a time in a village, an old lady who steals the rooster and the sun never gets up again.
Immersive competition
Maya: Birth of a super heroine From Poulomi Basu & CJ Clarke: This experience in virtual reality approaches taboos surrounding menstruation and female sexuality in India, offering a moving immersion in the world of Maya, a teenager confronted with the challenges of puberty.
Synopsis:
The story of a young girl from South Asia who passes in adulthood and who discovers her sexuality. She must overcome her shame and fear to find her inner strength and her true superpowers. With the arrival of its first rules, the world of Maya is upset because it is faced with restrictive traditions of its conservative family and with a world of hidden shame, stigma and taboos in contemporary London.
Fifteen filmmakers:
Sister Midnight From Karan Kandhari: This daring work mixes comedy and feminism to offer a captivating exploration of freedom and female autonomy in modern Indian society.
Synopsis:
Wedding arranged in Mumbai: the man is flaccid and 5th, the woman, once he arrived in the marital slum, assumes a ordinary misanthropy, of a rare greenness. Stuck in the hell of the couple, Uma turns into a disturbing figure without moods, giving free rein to her ferocious impulses. Fantastic Punk comedy, the film is big of American references on the screen, as in the soundtrack, always surprising, from country to hard rock.
Acid ::
In Retreat From Maisam Ali: This film transports the spectator to the magnificent landscapes of Ladakh, offering contemplative meditation on solitude and redemption.
Synopsis:
Somewhere between the end of fall and the beginning of winter, a man returns home, in a small mountain town. The fifties, always absent and late, having missed his brother’s burial, he lingers on the threshold of the old house-what more can he hope to delay his arrival overnight?
The presence of several Indian films in Cannes this year goes far beyond simply offering a showcase for Indian cinema. It is a real celebration of the cultural and narrative diversity of India, presented from a new angle to moviegoers around the world. By breaking the stereotypes and prejudices often associated with Indian cinema, this selection testifies to the vitality and richness of the Indian cinematographic landscape, highlighting stories that go beyond geographic and cultural borders.
In addition, this recognition in a festival as prestigious as that of Cannes offers Indian filmmakers an unprecedented global platform. This is the opportunity for them to share their unique visions, their authentic stories and their deep perspectives with an international audience eager to discover new voices and new stories. By allowing these emerging talents to take place alongside the biggest names in world cinema, Cannes plays a crucial role in promoting cultural diversity and intercultural exchange.
The presence of these Indian films in Cannes is not limited to a simple screening of films, but constitutes a real dialogue between cultures, an exchange of ideas and emotions which transcends national borders. It is an invitation to explore the richness and depth of Indian culture through the magic prism of cinema, and one more step towards a mutual understanding and an appreciation of the different perspectives that enrich our world.
The presence of these Indian films in Cannes also arouses enthusiasm as to the possibility of seeing renowned Indian stars enclose the red carpet and participate in the various events of the festival, thus adding an additional dimension of glamor and prestige to this already prestigious event.
In addition to the artists who will accompany the films, such as Naseeruddin Shah who will attend the screening of Manthanwhy not Deepika Padukone, who was already a member of the jury in 2022 and who could potentially make a new appearance in Cannes? Or Amitabh Bachchan, living legend of Indian cinema? Its status as an icon and its impact on the film industry make it an essential for prestigious events like that of Cannes.
As of Shah Rukh Khan, one of the most influential and popular actors in the Indian film industryhis presence in Cannes would certainly be a memorable moment for fans around the world. With the resounding success of his films Pathan And Jawan In 2023, Shah Rukh Khan confirmed his position as a global superstar, which could earn him a special invitation to Cannes.
In addition to the films, this year, the evening of tribute “Pierre Angénieux” which will be held on May 24 at 8 p.m. at the Buñuel theater at the Palais des Festivals, will highlight Santosh Sivan, a versatile Indian professional recognized for his talents in Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi cinema as director of photography, director, producer and actor. Founding member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC) and the only director of Indian photography member of the American Society of Cinematographs (ASC), Sivan, with more than 50 feature films to his credit, is a real icon of Indian cinema. Succeeding eminent names like Philippe Rousselot and Roger A. Deakins, he will receive this tribute in recognition of his exceptional contribution to Indian cinematographic art. In addition, on May 23, Sivan will host a masterclass, offering a unique opportunity to deepen his expertise and experience.
Prepare to travel to India with Cannes! Take out your saris, your kurtas and your turbans, because this edition promises an unforgettable immersion in the richness of Indian cinema.
Neïla Driss
