The Film and Television Institute of India’s (FTII) student film, ‘Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know,’ has been selected to compete in the La Cinef competitive section of the prestigious 77th Cannes Film Festival. This marks a significant achievement for the Indian film industry, as the film is the only Indian entry among the 18 short films chosen from a global pool of 2,263 submissions. Directed by Chidanand Naik, the film explores the tale of an elderly woman who disrupts her village by stealing the village rooster, leading to a series of events that send her family into exile. The Cannes Film Festival, scheduled to take place from May 15th in France, will witness the La Cinef jury presenting awards for their category on May 23rd in the Buñuel Theatre, following a screening of the nominated films.
The film’s selection is a testament to the exceptional talent and creativity of FTII’s students and faculty. It is a proud moment for the institute, which has consistently produced talented filmmakers who have made significant contributions to Indian cinema. The film’s success on the international stage is a reflection of the institute’s commitment to nurturing and developing emerging cinematic voices.
The film’s director, Chidanand Naik, expressed his joy and gratitude for the recognition, stating, ‘It’s an honor to have our film selected for Cannes. It’s a dream come true for us, and we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to showcase our work on such a prestigious platform.’ The film’s cast and crew echoed Naik’s sentiments, expressing their excitement and anticipation for the festival.
The FTII community and the Indian film industry will be eagerly awaiting the film’s screening at Cannes, hoping for a successful outing that will bring further recognition to the institute and Indian cinema on the global stage.
