Cannes Film Festival: Proud moment for Indian cinema

Indian cinema made history at the famous Cannes Film Festival. The fact that it had a significant Malayali presence adds to that accomplishment. The prestigious Pierre Angenieux ExcelLens award to Santhosh Sivan, one of the world's foremost cinematographers, is an invaluable achievement. Santosh Sivan is also the first Asian to win this honour.

Payal Kapadia's Indian film 'All We Imagine as Light', which was screened in the competition category at Cannes for the Palme d'Or, is a Hindi-Malayalam language film. Malayalam actresses Kani Kusushi and Divya Prabha played the lead roles in it. Malayalam actors Hridhu Haroon and Azees Nedumangad also acted in this film. The film was well received at Cannes. The fact that it took 30 years for another Indian film to be selected for the Palme d'Or after Shaji N Karun's 'Swaham' (English: My Own) competing in this category, should make filmmakers sit up and think.

Santosh Sivan, who was honoured with Padma Shri by the country, has given many proud moments to Indian cinema. Starting from Malayalam, Santosh has been able to shine with stardom in Tamil, Hindi and Hollywood. Santosh was also the first member of the American Society of Cinematographers from the Asia Pacific region. He has won the National Award for Best Cinematography five times, as well as a dozen National Awards and other awards from various languages, including as a director. Santhosh, the son of Sivan, who was the patriarch of press photography, cinematographer and director, followed in his father's path and reached this brilliant achievement due to his dedication and sincerity towards the profession. Santosh Shivan's shots have music. Its melody is shadow and light. In his acceptance speech to a packed audience in Cannes, Santosh recalled his parents and grandmother and his elder brother Sangeet Shivan, who passed away recently. Santhosh, who said that the nature and culture of Kerala are his strengths, also recalled the Malayalam film industry that taught him basic lessons.

The watermelon bag that actress Kani Kusruti carried while walking the red carpet at Cannes is the talk of the town today. Kani's political message in solidarity with the Palestinian people was to make it clear that she is not just an actress but also a community being. This opportunity should also be taken to consider how well Malayalam cinema is using great actresses like Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha.

We take this opportunity to congratulate Santhosh Sivan who raised the profile of Indian cinema at Cannes and actresses Kani Kusruti, Divyaprabha and director Payal Kapadia who brilliantly showcased Malayalee talent. The Kerala government should also be ready to honour these talents with the recognition they deserve.