Payal's 'All We Imagine As Light' starring Kerala actors makes it to Obama's 2024 favourite list

As part of its annual tradition, the Obama Foundation has unveiled its list of Barack Obama’s Favourite Things of 2024, a collection that highlights the former US President’s personal preferences in books, movies and music. Among the notable selections is the Indian film ‘All We Imagine As Light’ which has garnered international attention for its powerful storytelling and emotional depth. It is also the only Indian film that secured a spot in Obama’s list. 

The film directed by Payal Kapadia, stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam and Hridhu Haroon in prominent roles. It became the first Indian film to win the prestigious Grand Pix at Cannes 2024. The film has also bagged headlines all through 2024 for earning several other awards and nominations at international levels.

The other films that made it to his list include 'Conclave', 'The Piano Lesson', 'The Promised Land', 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig', 'Didi', 'Dune: Part Two', 'Sugarcane' and 'A Complete Unknown'. 

Apart from films, Obama also listed his favourite music of 2024. It included songs like 'Squabble up' by Kendrick Lamar, 'Yayo' by Rema, 'Is it worth it' by Rae Khalil, 'Stargazing' by Myles Smith among others. 

He also shared his selection of books that stuck with him long after he finished reading them. The year’s much talked about books like 'Intermezzo' by Sally Rooney and 'Orbital' by Samantha Harvey have made to the list. Some others include 'Growth' by Daniel Susskind, 'Someone Like Us' by Dinaw Mengestu and 'The Anxious Generation' by Jonathan Haidt.