Wednesday brought disheartening news for fans of Indian cinema. The shortlist for the Oscar's 'International Feature Film' category was announced, but India's official entry, 'Laapata Ladies', was absent. Directed by Kiran Rao, 'Laapata Ladies' captivated audiences, leading many to believe it deserved an Oscar submission.
Source: aajtak
Film Federation Criticized
With 'Laapata Ladies' out of the race, cinephiles have expressed criticism towards the Film Federation of India for not selecting 'All We Imagine as Light' as India's official entry. Director Hansal Mehta highlighted the Federation's frequent mismatched Oscar picks.
Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej noted, “'Laapata Ladies' is entertaining, but not the right choice for 'Best International Feature Film'. We should look beyond mainstream Bollywood.”
Social media users suggested 'All We Imagine as Light' would have been a better choice. Writer Aseem Chhabra commented on the missed opportunity for India.
Why 'All We Imagine as Light' Was a Better Choice
Payal Kapadia's film premiered at Cannes Film Festival, entering directly into the main competition and winning the esteemed Grand Prix, marking a significant achievement for an Indian film.
This achievement brought 'All We Imagine as Light' significant international exposure, with praises from The Guardian, BBC, and more. Critics worldwide lauded the film.
France Was Ready to Submit
Surprisingly, France was prepared to submit this Indian film as its Oscar entry, due to its French co-producers. Ultimately, the team chose to pursue submission through India, receiving more exposure post-Cannes.
The film faced challenges in India, struggling to find a distributor and receiving limited screens. Director Payal Kapadia took to social media for each successful theater addition.
If 'All We Imagine as Light' had been sent to the Oscars from India, it could have been a game changer. However, the Film Federation of India's decision highlighted a preference for perceived 'Indian-ness' over international acclaim. The movie's themes resonate globally but retain a distinct Mumbai narrative, celebrating women's stories.
An Oscar win for 'All We Imagine as Light' would have shone a spotlight on Indian cinema, similar to the acclaim RRR received. As the world continues to watch, the Federation's future choices remain crucial.
