Director Payal Kapadia recently shared her thoughts on “Laapataa Ladies” being selected as India’s official Oscar entry over her film, *All We Imagine As Light*. Kapadia reflected on how the Oscars operate, explaining they resemble a “lobby,” where financial backing heavily influences outcomes.
In an interview, Kapadia expressed that the journey of creating *All We Imagine As Light* was deeply personal, taking five years due to limited resources. She relied on grants and fundraising, without private investors. The film’s screening at Cannes 2024 was a proud milestone for her, making any additional success feel like a bonus.
Are Awards that important for Kapadia ?
For Kapadia, awards aren’t the ultimate goal. She emphasized that her most meaningful accomplishment would be releasing the film in India, eagerly anticipating its reception by audiences at home. This release is, for her, the real victory after years of work.
Kapadia acknowledged the advantage of Aamir Khan’s financial backing for *Laapataa Ladies* in lobbying for Hollywood recognition. She admitted that only recently has she understood the complexities of the Oscar race and how financial resources can significantly impact a film’s trajectory. She said, “The Oscar is like a lobby, and I am learning how it all works.”
Kapadia shared how funding can take a film much further, contrasting it with the challenges of independent filmmakers who struggle without substantial resources. “Having financial support is very valuable, as it elevates a film’s reach compared to projects without it,” she explained.
Her film *All We Imagine As Light* gained significant recognition at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the Grand Prix award. Many thought it had a strong chance of becoming India’s Oscar submission, sparking curiosity about why it wasn’t selected.
Reflecting on the selection process, Kapadia sees it as part of the unpredictable nature of the film industry and continues to appreciate her film’s journey and achievements.
