Renowned Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia has been appointed Jury President for the 65th edition of the Cannes Critics’ Week, marking a proud milestone for Indian cinema on the global stage.
Her selection follows the remarkable success of her film All We Imagine as Light, which made history in 2024 by winning the prestigious Grand Prix — one of the highest honours ever received by an Indian film at the Cannes Film Festival.
The Critics’ Week segment will run from May 13 to May 21, 2026, alongside the main Cannes festival, continuing its tradition of spotlighting bold and emerging voices in world cinema.
What Cannes Critics’ Week Represents
The Cannes Critics’ Week is widely regarded as one of the most respected parallel sections of the Cannes Film Festival. Its core mission is to discover and nurture new filmmakers and innovative storytelling styles from across the globe.
In its official statement, the Critics’ Week organisers praised Kapadia’s artistic voice, noting that across her body of work — spanning six short and feature films — she has developed a cinematic language that blends poetic storytelling with sharp political and social commentary.
They highlighted that her films frequently explore themes such as:
- Folk traditions and myths
- Invisible or marginalised lives
- Class struggles
- Women’s lived experiences
This unique storytelling approach has been central to her global recognition.
International Jury Members Joining Kapadia
As Jury President, Payal Kapadia will lead an international panel featuring artists and film professionals from diverse creative backgrounds.
The jury includes:
- Théodore Pellerin — Quebecois actor
- Oklou — French singer-songwriter
- Ama Ampadu — Ghanaian-British producer
- Donsaron Kovitvanitcha — Thai journalist and director of the Bangkok World Film Festival
Together, the jury will evaluate films from emerging filmmakers and recognise outstanding storytelling that pushes creative boundaries.
Films Selected For Critics’ Week 2026
This year’s edition of the Cannes Critics’ Week will feature:
- 11 feature films, including
- 7 films selected for the main competition
- 13 short films chosen from nearly 2,400 submissions
- A total of 1,050 feature film entries reviewed during the selection process
The lineup highlights the section’s commitment to nurturing fresh talent and offering global exposure to debut filmmakers.
Payal Kapadia On Supporting Independent Cinema
Speaking about the importance of nurturing early-career filmmakers, Payal Kapadia emphasised the growing challenges faced by independent cinema worldwide.
She said that supporting first-time filmmakers today represents a form of resistance against market-driven pressures dominating the film industry.
Kapadia also stressed the importance of film criticism in sustaining independent cinema ecosystems, noting that debut films often carry fearless storytelling and unique perspectives that deserve encouragement and recognition.
Why This Appointment Matters For Indian Cinema
Kapadia’s appointment as Jury President signals the rising global influence of Indian filmmakers within the international film circuit.
Her leadership at the Cannes Critics’ Week underscores India’s growing creative footprint and reinforces the importance of storytelling rooted in social realism and artistic innovation.
It also follows a wave of international recognition for Indian films at prestigious festivals, marking a broader shift toward global appreciation of regional narratives.