77th Cannes Film Festival : Indian Films Shine, “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know” and “Bunnyhood” Win Prestigious Prizes
In a remarkable achievement for Indian cinema, two films from the country have clinched top honors at the 77th Cannes Film Festival’s La Cinef competition. Chidananda S Naik‘s “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know” secured the coveted first prize, while Mansi Maheshwari’s animation film “Bunnyhood” claimed the third prize.
“Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know,” directed by Chidananda S Naik, tells the story of an old woman who steals a rooster, based on a Kannada folk tale.
Naik, a former doctor from Mysuru who transitioned into filmmaking, created the film as a culmination of his one-year course in the television wing of Pune’s Film and Television Institute of India.
Meanwhile, “Bunnyhood,” crafted by Mansi Maheshwari, offers a unique animated narrative. Maheshwari, hailing from Meerut and a graduate of NIFT Delhi, conceptualized the film during her time as a student at the UK’s National Film and Television School.
The significance of these awards extends beyond recognition, with the Cannes Film Festival offering substantial grants to the winners. The first prize winner receives 15,000 euros, followed by 11,250 euros for the runner-up, and 7,500 euros for the third prize recipient.
These acclaimed films will be showcased at Cinema du Pantheon on June 3 and at MK2 Quai de Seine on June 4, providing a global platform for their creators to showcase their talent.
Naik‘s win marks India’s second triumph in the La Cinef competition in five years, following Ashmita Guha Neogi’s victory for her film “CatDog” in 2020. The recognition underscores the growing influence and creative prowess of Indian filmmakers on the international stage, reinforcing the country’s position as a powerhouse in the world of cinema.
