Amid the outpour of laurels for Payal Kapadia, who secured a Grand Prix award at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, a congratulatory message from her alma mater Film & Television Institute of India (FTII) garnered much criticism. At the gala, the director of All We Imagine As Light became the first Indian to earn Cannes' second-highest honour. When FTII dubbed the alumnus' win as a "moment of pride," industry figures and cinephiles expressed disappointment. The reason? A 2015-originating dispute over the institution's shifting administration and its impact on the culture of independent cinema.
When Kapadia Was Booked Under The Indian Penal Code
In 2015, a bold and unwavering Payal Kapadia led a student protest against the appointment of the new chairman-- actor-turned-politician Gajendra Chauhan, better known as Yudishthir from the Mahabharat TV series.
The protesting students condemned the appointment as "politically coloured", adding that Chauhan did not match the vision and stature of past chairmen of the Pune-based institute's governing council.
The police had to intervene and 35 students, including Payal Kapadia, were booked under Indian Penal Code sections, some non-bailable, dealing with unlawful assembly, criminal intimidation and rioting.
The chargesheet in the ongoing case was filed in 2016. The defence lawyer, representing the students, said the next court hearing is scheduled for June 26, 2024, as reported in The Telegraph India.
FTII Congratules Kapadia, Invites Outrage
FTII lauded Kapadia, writing on X (Twitter), "It is a moment of pride for FTII as its Alumni create history at Cannes... FTII cherishes the glorious achievements of its Alumni at this Mega International Stage of Cinema."
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Soon, several film industry figures slammed the FTII for the dichotomy in their post. Oscar-winning Indian sound designer Resul Pookutty and actor-producer Ali Fazal are among some of the supporters who stood up for Kapadia.
Payal Kapadia's sombre and comforting film All We Imagine As Light has gained praise from all over the world. Her triumph at the prestigious Cannes Festival has been welcomed as a big win for Indian cinema.
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