Former US President Barack Obama has unveiled his annual list of favourite movies, and among the carefully curated list is Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light. It is the only Indian movie to make it onto Obama’s prestigious list this year, marking yet another milestone for the critically acclaimed film, which has been making waves internationally over the past year.
Obama shared his picks on Instagram on Friday, accompanied by a caption that read, “Here are a few movies I’d recommend checking out this year.” His list included films such as All We Imagine as Light, Conclave, The Piano Lesson, The Promised Land, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, Dune: Part Two, Anora, Didi, and A Complete Unknown.
Kapadia’s film has been steadily building its legacy throughout the year. Earlier in 2024, it became the first Indian movie in three decades to compete in the main section of the Cannes Film Festival, where it bagged the prestigious Grand Prix award.
Following its success at Cannes, the film received nominations for two Golden Globes and the Critics’ Choice Awards. Adding to its accolades, Kapadia was honoured with the Spirit of Cinema award at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) just days ago.
Despite these achievements, All We Imagine as Light wasn’t chosen as India’s official entry for the Oscars. However, it is being campaigned aggressively for key Academy Award categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.
The film tells the story of two women dealing with their emotional and personal conflicts. Prabha, a nurse with a troubled past, reconnects with her estranged husband through an unexpected gift, while Anu, her young roommate, explores intimacy with her boyfriend. Their journey to a coastal village becomes an exploration of desire, healing, and self-discovery through the course of the film.
Starring Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam, All We Imagine as Light is an Indo-French co-production, created in collaboration between Petit Chaos (France) and Indian companies Chalk & Cheese and Another Birth.
Kapadia’s vision, coupled with a nuanced narrative and powerful performances, has resonated deeply with global audiences and critics alike, establishing All We Imagine as Light as a defining work of contemporary Indian cinema.