All We Imagine As Light to Manthan: Indian films premiering at Cannes Film Festival 2024

​The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival is set to turn the spotlight to India with several films, spanning various genres and narratives gearing up for their big premiere at the French Riveria. What sets these Indian entries apart is not just their compelling storytelling but also the prominence of female directors and women-centric themes, marking a major milestone in the country's cinematic landscape.

​Directed by Payal Kapadia, 'All We Imagine As Light' is the first Indian film contending in the Palme d'Or segment, since 1994's 'Swaham'. Set against the backdrop of a hospital, the film follows the journey of two nurses, can't seem to find personal time with their significant other. However, a trip to a beach town allows them to explore their desires, love and embark on a journey to self-discovery.

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​Sandhya Suri's "Santosh" is an mpowering tale of a newly widowed woman who inherits her husband's role as a police constable in rural northern India. Starring Shahana Goswami in the lead role, the film takes a turn when the new constable is pulled into the rape and murder investigation of a low-caste girl, while under the wing of charismatic feminist inspector Sharma.

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​Chidanand Naik's Kannada short film, "Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know," finds its place in the Cinefondation section. With a distinct regional flavour, the film follows a tale of an elderly woman who is sent into exile after she steals the village’s rooster. To bring the rooster back, a prophecy is invoked.

​As part of the Cannes Classics selection, the timeless masterpiece "Manthan," starring Smita Patil and Naseeruddin Shah, takes center stage. This cinematic gem by Shyam Benegal, and produced by 500,000 farmers who contributed Rs 2 each towards the making, the film offers a compelling portrayal of social change and grassroots empowerment. According to the synopsis, "Manthan" is a powerful film about the tempestuous winds of change that blow through a village when an idealistic veterinary surgeon from the city arrives in the village to start a milk cooperative movement. His notions of equitable distribution of profits irrespective of class and caste and freedom from exploitative middlemen, churn up a maelstrom of mistrust, anger and resistance among the feudal landlords and the peasants,
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Featured in the Directors' Fortnight category, the ​Radhika Apte starrer "Sister Midnight," directed by Karan Kandhari delves into the struggles of a woman who navigates the challenges of married life in a slum. Having suffered oppression, she aims to seek revenge.


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​Directed by Syed Maisam Ali Shah, "In Retreat" narrates the story of a man returning to his hometown after years of absence. The film is set to be screened under the Association for the Distribution of Independent Cinema Section.
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​Bulgarian director Konstantin Bojanov takes audiences on a riveting journey through the film "The Shameless". It follows the life of Rani, an Indian sex worker on a pilgrimage of redemption. Shot across Nepal and India, the film delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of forgiveness, offering a nuanced portrayal of human resilience. The official synopsis reads, "In the dead of night, Renuka escapes from a Delhi brothel after stabbing a policeman to death. She takes refuge in a community of sex workers in northern India, where she meets Devika, a young girl condemned to a life of prostitution. Their bond develops into a forbidden romance. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to escape the law and forge their path to freedom."


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Filmmaker Gajendra Ahire addresses the prevalent issue of bride slavery in Rajasthan and Haryana in his film "Paro". The director will unveil the trailer at the event. With this film led by Trupti Bhoir and Taaha Shah, the team said in a statement that they aim to raise awareness and spur action against human trafficking.