The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival proved notably significant for India. Alongside the special screening of Shyam Benegal’s "Manthan," nearly 48 years after its release, the festival showcased numerous celebrities and influencers making a splash on the red carpet. Additionally, Indian films and actors received nominations across various categories at this prestigious event.
Anasuya Sengupta becomes first Indian actor to win Best Actress at Cannes Film Festival
Adding to the Indian triumph, actor Anasuya Sengupta, hailing from Kolkata, secured the Un Certain Regard Prize for Best Actress for her captivating performance in "The Shameless." Directed and written by Bulgarian filmmaker Konstantin Bojanov, the film revolves around Renuka, portrayed by Anasuya, who escapes from a Delhi brothel after a fatal confrontation with a police officer. The narrative also features Omara Shetty, depicting Renuka's love interest.
With this achievement, Anasuya has made history as the first Indian to clinch this prestigious award. Reflecting on the moment she learned her film had been selected for the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes, Anasuya recalled, “I received the news when Konstantin sent me a link to the press conference announcing the Cannes official selections. When our film’s name was announced, I leaped out of my chair with joy!”
Aside from Anasuya's achievement, two Indian films, "Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know" and "Bunnyhood," secured the first and third place, respectively, in the La Cinéf Selection at this year's Cannes.
"Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know" is a Kannada short film helmed by Chidananda Naik, a student from the Film and Television Institute of India. On the other hand, "Bunnyhood" is directed by Mansi Maheshwari, originally from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and currently pursuing studies in the UK, as reported.
Preity Zinta presents Pierre Angenieux ExcelLens award to Santosh Sivan
In a splendid ceremony held at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Indian cinematographer Santosh Sivan was bestowed with the esteemed Pierre Angénieux ExcelLens in Cinematography honour. The award was presented by actor Preity Zinta. The prestigious event unfolded at the iconic Palais des Festivals, honouring the art of cinematography and recognising the significant influence of Indian cinema worldwide. Dressed in an elegant pink saree, Preity Zinta took to the stage to confer the award upon Sivan, her longtime collaborator. Their professional collaboration commenced with Mani Ratnam’s 1998 romantic drama "Dil Se," where Sivan’s cinematography beautifully showcased Zinta’s debut performance. Their reunion at Cannes signifies a notable milestone in their careers, especially as they prepare to collaborate once more on the upcoming period drama "Lahore 1947," directed by Rajkumar Santoshi.
All We Imagine As Light makes history; wins Grand Prix at Cannes
Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia scripted history as her spellbinding drama "All We Imagine as Light" won the Grand Prix award at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. The Grand Prix Award is the second most prestigious award at festival after the Palme d'Or, and was awarded to Kapadia after her film received an eight-minute standing ovation at its world premiere.
Kapadia's feature directorial debut has already received glowing reviews in the international press, and has already registered its name in the history books after becoming the first Indian film in 30 years and the first ever by an Indian female director to be showcased in the main competition.
Indian actor Sahindur Rahman to enact as father in Austrian film on illegal immigration
A groundbreaking Austrian film titled "Happy," directed by Indian-origin Austrian filmmaker Sandeep Kumar, features Indian actor Sahidur Rahman speaking German for the first time. Rahman, an alumnus of the National School of Drama, Delhi, portrays an illegal immigrant facing deportation repercussions. Kumar, whose last film was "Mehrunisa," revealed that Rahman learned German for four months before filming. Originally considering a Mumbai actor for the lead, Kumar praised Sahidur's performance. Inspired by Vienna's immigrant community, the film was initially conceived as a documentary but transformed into fiction for storytelling ease. Motivated by real-life events, including 2023 deportations, Kumar felt compelled to share this timely narrative. Happy revolves around the protagonist's relationship with his nine-year-old half-Austrian daughter. "The film is about his struggles to find happiness for himself and his daughter in the face of the prospect of being deported from Austria," says Kumar, who grew up in Delhi. The film, supported by the Austrian Film Commission, was released in Cannes film festival followed by a theatrical release later this year.
