The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) on Sunday, May 27, congratulated its alumni filmmakers Payal Kapadia, Maisam Ali, Chidanand S Naik and veteran cinematographer Santosh Sivan for creating history at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.
At the gala, which concluded on Saturday, May 25, Kapadia won the Grand Prix Award, the second highest honour at Cannes after Palme d'Or, and became the first Indian to bag this prestigious award.
While Naik's film Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know earned the first prize under the La Cinef section, which showcases film school fiction or animated films, Ali's In Retreat was screened in ACID Cannes, a parallel section devoted to independent cinema.
Sivan, known for his extensive work behind the camera in Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi cinema, was honoured with the Pierre Angenieux ExcelLens in Cinematography award.
The FTII, currently headed by actor R Madhavan, shared the post on its official X page.
"It is a moment of pride for FTII as its Alumni create history at Cannes. As we witness a phenomenal year for Indian Cinema at 77th Cannes Film Festival, FTII cherishes the glorious achievements of its Alumni at this Mega International Stage of Cinema. We congratulate Payal Kapadia for winning the Grand Prix Award, Santosh Sivan for receiving Pierre Angénieux Tribute Award, Maisam Ali for his debut at ACID & Chidanand S Naik for winning La Cinef. Their achievements are taking Indian Cinema to greater heights," the Pune-based institute said in the post.
During her time at FTII, Kapadia had led a student protest against the appointment of actor-turned-politician Gajendra Chauhan, best known for his portrayal of Yudhisthir in the mega TV serial Mahabharat, as its president.
According to reports, the acclaimed filmmaker had to face disciplinary action for not attending classes with the institute also cancelling her grant.
