Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia has made history by winning the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival for her film “All We Imagine as Light.” This accolade marks her as the first Indian filmmaker to ever receive this prestigious honor.

Kapadia’s film, which screened on Thursday night, not only secured the Grand Prix, the second-most prestigious prize of the festival after the Palme d’Or, but also marked a significant milestone as the first Indian film in 30 years to be showcased in the main competition. Moreover, it is the first film by an Indian female director to achieve this distinction.

The Palme d’Or, the highest prize at the festival, was awarded to American director Sean Baker for his film “Anora” at the closing ceremony on Saturday night.

Kapadia’s historic win underscores the growing recognition of Indian cinema on the global stage and highlights the remarkable talent and creativity of Indian filmmakers. Her achievement is expected to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and contribute to the evolving narrative of Indian cinema in international film festivals.