A Night of Knowing Nothing is a 2021 documentary film (or, some would say, a work of creative docufiction) directed by Payal Kapadia. An exploration of university student life in India,Naman Ramachandran, "Cannes Fresh Faces: Directors’ Fortnight Selection ‘A Night of Knowing Nothing’ Director Payal Kapadia" . Variety, 9 July 2021. the film centres on letters written by L., a student at the Film and Television Institute of India, to her estranged boyfriend after they are separated when he is forced to quit film school and denied permission from his family to continue dating L. because she is not of the same caste.Marta Bałaga, "Review: A Night of Knowing Nothing" . Cineuropa, 19 July 2021.
The film premiered in the Directors' Fortnight stream at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, where it was named the winner of the L'Œil d'or award for Best Documentary Film. It was subsequently screened at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was one of the winners of the Amplify Voices Award.Steve Pond, "‘Belfast’ Wins Toronto Film Festival’s People’s Choice Award" . TheWrap, 18 September 2021.
The film has been acquired for commercial distribution by Square Eyes.Orlando Parfitt, "Square Eyes takes worldwide rights to Directors’ Fortnight doc ‘A Night of Knowing Nothing’" . Screen Daily, 4 August 2021.
Release A Night of Knowing Nothing premiered in the Directors' Fortnight stream at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival. It was also screened at the 26th Busan International Film Festival and nominated for 'Busan Cinephile Award' in 'Wide Angle' section in October 2021.
Reception Critical response On Rotten Tomatoes, the documentary holds an approval rating of 96% based on 24 reviews, with an average rating of 8/10.
Awards and nominations Year Award Category Recipient Result Ref.2021Asia Pacific Screen AwardsBest Feature FilmPayal Kapadia, Thomas Hakim, Julien Graff and Ranabir Das2021Busan International Film FestivalSonje AwardA Night of Knowing Nothing2021Cannes Film FestivalCaméra d'OrPayal KapadiaGolden Eye2021Toronto International Film FestivalAmplify Voices Award2022Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Best Documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing
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