Payal Kapadia: Women's Representation in Media Lacks Depth
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Mumbai, Dec 23 (NationPress) Filmmaker Payal Kapadia, whose film All We Imagine as Light has been receiving widespread critical praise, has voiced her thoughts on the portrayal of women in media.
The director remarked that the representation of females in cinema and media is largely one-dimensional, frequently influenced by the male gaze.
She stated, “The portrayal of women in media is incredibly one-dimensional, often sculpted by a male perspective. Take something as basic as waxing commercials, where women are depicted without hair, highlighting the unrealistic expectations imposed by society. In my film, we aimed to deviate from that and simply be ourselves, authentic and true to our everyday existence.”
She elaborated, “It’s about whose perspective is central to the narrative. For example, when you observe Anu in the city, everything appears romantic and picturesque. However, when it’s Prabha, it feels ordinary, because the lens alters everything.”
Payal Kapadia has received a Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film and historic Golden Globe nominations for Best Director in Motion Picture, making her the first Indian woman to be nominated in this category. The film also secured the award for Best Film Not in the English Language from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.
The film, featuring Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam, delves into themes of individuality, female friendships, and struggles against the male gaze and patriarchy. It serves as a compelling reflection of modern Indian cinema.
This film is an official Indo-French co-production between Petit Chaos from France and Chalk & Cheese and Another Birth from India. The film is being distributed in India by Spirit Media.
Previously, Payal, who clinched the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for All We Imagine As Light, praised Chhaya Kadam. She noted that the actress infuses her own lyricism into the dialogues and enhances what is scripted to make it sharper and more impactful. Chhaya Kadam is an exceptional performer with a varied filmography that appeals to a broad audience.
