Indian actress Kani Kusruti, known for her role in ‘All We Imagine As Light’, graced the Cannes red carpet carrying a watermelon clutch.
Intorduction:
Kerala based mollywood actress Kani Kusruti carried a watermelon-themed clutch at the 77th edition of Cannes Film Festival during the screening of her highly praised film “All We Imagine As Light” on 23rd May,2024. After the appearance of the actress with the watermelon clutch grab the attention to the netizens all over the world.
Numerous photos and videos of this moment have emerged online. After images and videos of this gesture appeared online, she received widespread praise for supporting the ceasefire in conflict-ridden Gaza. It is interpreted that displaying a watermelon clutch at the film’s Cannes 2024 screening, signaling her solidarity with the Palestinian people.
In the widely circulated photos and videos, the actress is seen holding a watermelon clutch alongside the rest of the film’s cast. For those unaware, the watermelon has recently become a symbol of solidarity, with its colors – red, green, and black seeds – mirroring those of the Palestinian flag.
Who is Kani Kusturi?
Kani Kusruti is an Indian actress and model. She was born in Cheruvakkal, a small village in Thiruvanathpuram, Kerala. She moved to Thrissur after completing her class 10th examination and enrolled herself in Thrissur School of Drama, between 2005 and 2007.
Kani Kusruti first rose to prominence in 2009 for her critically acclaimed performance in the film Kerala Cafe. She won the Best Actress award at the Kerala State Film Awards in 2020, and she also received the Best Actress Award at the Moscow International Film Festival for her role as Khadeeja in the film Biriyaani.
At Cannes Film Festival:
The Cannes film festival has been going on at Cannes, France from 14 to 25 May 2024. At this festival, the cast and crew of ‘All We Imagine As Light’ were jubilant on the Cannes red carpet, dancing their way to the film’s screening on May 23. This film marks the first Indian entry to compete for the Palme d’Or award at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 30 years. ‘All We Imagine As Light’ star Kani Kusruti with all her luminary figures Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, and Hridhu Haroon, entered the red carpet at Cannes film festival posing a watermelon clutch.
Connection with Palestine:
Amid Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza, this gesture is being interpreted as a show of support for Palestinians, with the simple watermelon having long been seen as a symbol of their resistance.
A watermelon when sliced shows the colours of the Palestinian flag — red, green, black, and white.
This makes it a symbol of Palestinian identity. In the times, especially carrying and displaying the Palestinian flag has often been barred by Israeli authorities, with many claiming that posts with Palestinian symbols are restricted by the US led tech platforms. In those circumstances, on social media the watermelon emoji has gained popularity.
Notably, watermelons are widely cultivated in Palestine, from the West Bank to Gaza, and feature prominently in Palestinian cuisine.
Symbol of Protest (Watermelon)
An organisation called Zazim began adding images of sliced watermelons on taxis with the accompanying text reading “This is not a Palestinian flag”. This step had been taken by the organization after police of Israel often crack down, claiming the flag could “disturb peace”.
Another prominent example is the work of Palestinian artist Khaled Hourani, who in 2007 painted a slice of watermelon for the Subjective Atlas of Palestine project. His work received wide viewership, and served to strongly associate the watermelon with the Palestinian cause.
It is the festival of films from all over the world that showcased and premiered at the theatre of Cannes in France. It promotes the evolution of cinema, promotes the culture and development of cinema to all over the world. This fil festival is highly acclaimed by the film organizations.
Cannes film Festival in the year 2024 is the 77th edition.
The first cannes film festival took place on September 20, 1946
Kani Kusruti is an Indian actress and model. She was born in Cheruvakkal, a small village in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. She moved to Thrissur after completing her class 10th examination and enrolled herself in Thrissur School of Drama, between 2005 and 2007.
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