Meet Modhura Palit, The Cinematographer Who Created History At Cannes!

Written by Shivani K  • 

It’s true when people say that when you put your heart and soul into something, it definitely paves a colorful path for you. And we couldn’t agree more to this after we got to know about the inspiring story of Modhura Palit. A year ago, not many knew her. But now, in 2019, she has made her country proud and every Indian wants to know her story now.

Modhura Palit, a Kolkata based cinematographer, turned several heads at Cannes and her home country, India, and nope, it wasn’t for her outfit (yeah, we know Cannes is all about the red carpet, mostly). Modhura’s work was what made heads turn. Modhura Palit was the Angénieux Encouragement awardee at the Cannes Film Festival this year. She also became the first Indian ever to have received such an honor. This was an encouragement award given to a promising young film professional. This award will help Ms. Modhura use the best of Angénieux technology for whichever project she decides to do in the future.

When She Was Invited To Receive The Award

Image: Instagram @angenieuxlenses

Modhura was in the middle of a shoot when an invitation to the ceremony flashed on her screen. She ignored the mail assuming it to be spam or prank. It was only when the Indian Women Cinematographer’s Association asked her as to why she had not responded to the email did it hit her that the mail was no spam.

On opening the mail, she realized that it was an invitation to attend one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world — the Cannes — and this was their 72nd edition. She gasped in shock and excitement as she read further. The invitation mentioned that she had been selected to receive the award of Pierre Angénieux ExcelLens in the cinematographer category this year.

Recollecting the moment, Modhura says that she was stunned as it had come out of nowhere. She was scared and overwhelmed at the same time to be receiving such a huge validation for her work, which she had honed in the midst of all the stereotypes, doubts, and cynicism.

The 29-year-old says that right from the time she received the mail till she was called on stage to receive the award, it all felt like a dream sequence to her. The lady cinematographer says that though she remembers living every single second of that day, it all still seemed so unreal and out of focus for her. Walking on that stage and standing alongside the stalwarts of the cinema world — the experience was a surreal one and gives her goosebumps even to this day.

Dressed in an orange and green silk sari, Ms. Modhura went on stage and lived her dream by receiving the prestigious award. Along with the award, she was given the Optimo range camera lens on loan, which she could use for one of her projects in the future. When asked if she has used it already, Modhura says that she’s been saving it for the best project that is yet to knock at her door.

Let Your Work Speak For You

Image: Instagram @modhurapalit

It surely isn’t easy to walk into a male-dominated profession in a reserved country like India. Since childhood, Modhura had a thing for visual poetry and was never really interested in studies. She knew that she wasn’t made for a 9 to 5 corporate career. Her journey with the camera started during her college days in St. Xavier’s. She tried her hand at professional videography as it was a part of her curriculum. And from there, it was only a journey of learning and moving forward. From that point, there was no looking back.

Modhura graduated from a highly reputed institution — Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute. She’s also a member of EICA (Eastern India Cinematographers Association) and an alumna of AFA (Asian Film Academy) of Busan. Till date, Modhura has worked on three feature films, a handful of short films, ads, TVCs, and documentaries. Modhura’s work truly represents a global tone. And, all her aspirations are known to be free-spirited. Among her work, Paper Boy, The Girl Across The Stream, and Meet Sohee are award-winning films.

Image: Instagram @angenieuxlenses

When asked about her future plans in the industry, Modhura says that she will always be a part of the cinematography world till she is alive. She understands that this world has its flaws too especially since many consider it to be a man’s job to hold the camera and shoot. But, she is happy that she has broken the status quo by becoming a woman cinematographer and hopes that her story will inspire many other women to walk on the same path. Women communities like IWCA (Indian Women Cinematographers Association) and WMF (Women Making Films) are fighting for equality within the film industry. These associations are also putting their best legs into fostering and encouraging women to step into this industry.

Modhura sure has come a long way on her journey. And here’s us wishing that we see many more Indian women like Modhura being recognized for their work, skills, and talents.

Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.

    Latest Articles