Cannes Film Festival 2024: Indian films slated for screening, alongside 'Bharat Parv' highlighting India's creative prowess

14 April 2024

The 77th edition of the annual Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to commence today, and its allure extends far beyond the star-studded lights of the French Riviera, resonating in every corner of the globe.

Stars from the Indian film industry expected to grace the red carpet include Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Aditi Rao Hydari, alongside debutants Kiara Advani and Sobhita Dhulipala. Influencers and digital creators, including RJ Karishma, Nancy Tyagi, Niharika, Ankush Bahuguna, Chef Sanjyot Keer, Shehzaan Khan, Aastha Shah, and Viraj Gehlani, among others, are anticipated attendees, poised to leave their mark on the international stage.

The festival is slated to screen seven Indian films, with high expectations for the Malayalam film 'All We Imagine As Light,' directed by Payal Kapadia, which will be screened on May 23rd. This story revolves around two hospital nurses whose journey of love and self-discovery catalyzes a profound shift in perspective. Notably, it marks India's first Palme d'Or entry since 1994's ‘Swaham’.

Additionally, 'Santosh,' directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, will be screened in the Un Certain Regard section. It stars Shahana Goswami in the lead role and narrates the story of a newly widowed woman who inherits her husband's job as a police constable in rural northern India.

The Kannada short film 'Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know,' directed by FTII student Chidanand Naik, will be part of the Cinéfondation or La Cinef segment.

Furthermore, the 1976 film 'Manthan,' starring Smita Patil and Naseeruddin Shah, will be screened under the Cannes Classics selection. The film also featured Girish Karnad and Kulbhushan Kharbanda.

Actress Radhika Apte's film 'Sister Midnight,' directed by Karan Kandhari, has been selected for the Directors' Fortnight category. It is about a wife navigating the hardships of a married life in a slum. She seeks vengeance after being oppressed.

'In Retreat,' directed by Syed Maisam Ali Shah, will narrate the story of a man who returns to his hometown after many years. It is set to be screened under the Association for the Distribution of Independent Cinema Section.

The final film on the list is 'The Shameless,' directed by Bulgarian director Konstantin Bojanov, which will depict the journey of an Indian sex worker who goes on a pilgrimage to a remote temple, where she confronts her past, including a love affair, who is imprisoned for murder in Bangalore. It will be screened under the Un Certain Regard section.

India will also host 'Bharat Parv' at the festival, providing an opportunity for dignitaries and delegates from around the world to explore the country's creative opportunities. Representatives from central and state governments, as well as industry members, will showcase India's creative economy at the Marche du Films. This is the first time Bharat Parv has been hosted at the Cannes Film Festival, and it aims to engage with film celebrities, filmmakers, directors, producers, buyers, and sales agents from all over the world to showcase the country's rich bank of creative talent.

Image Source: IMDb