A Contemporary Cinema Gem in Valencia
The film All We Imagine as Light (Spanish title: La luz que imaginamos), directed by Payal Kapadia, comes to the Filmoteca d’Estiu 2026 as part of the Top Critics and Festivals 2025 cycle. This feature film, winner of the Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, will be screened in just two sessions: Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 August at 22:30 in the gardens of the Palau de la Música, within section XI of the Turia Garden. The screening is free and requires no prior booking, though arriving early is recommended to secure a good spot.
Synopsis and Context
All We Imagine as Light follows the lives of two nurses in Mumbai, whose routines are disrupted by an unexpected encounter. Shot in Malayalam and Hindi, the film stands out for its poetic narrative and evocative cinematography, blending social realism with a dreamlike touch. After its Cannes premiere, it has been acclaimed at festivals like San Sebastián and Toronto, establishing itself as one of the most significant works in recent independent cinema.
How to Get There
The Filmoteca d’Estiu venue is located in the Palau de la Música gardens, a central and well-connected space:
- EMT Bus: The nearest stops are Albereda - Palau de la Música (lines 94, 100 m away) and Jacinto Benavente - Pont Angel Custodi (lines 24, 25, and 95, 110 m away). Check schedules on Valencia Public Transport.
- Metro/Tram: Stations Amado Granell - Montolivet and Russafa (line 10) are about 750 m away.
- Valenbisi: The closest bike stations are Salamanca - Reina Doña Germana (212 m) and Alameda - Pintor Monleón (220 m). More info at Bikes and Valenbisi.
- Parking: If driving, the Conde Altea - Salamanca - Canovas car park (505 m away) is the nearest option.
Practical Details
- Duration: 117 minutes (original version with Spanish subtitles).
- Recommendations: Bring a light jacket (August nights can be cool) and a blanket or cushion for comfort. The venue has a bar serving drinks and snacks.
- Accessibility: The space is fully accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Filmoteca d’Estiu 2026
This cycle, organised by the Valencian Institute of Culture (IVC) in collaboration with Valencia City Council, celebrates its 35th edition with a programme featuring 19 titles (17 feature films and 2 shorts). Alongside All We Imagine as Light, highlights include classics like Billy Wilder’s The Apartment and recent releases like Anora, winner of the 2024 Palme d’Or. Screenings start at 21:30 (box office and bar open), with the selected film beginning at 22:30.
Don’t miss this chance to enjoy open-air cinema in one of Valencia’s most iconic settings. A unique cultural experience to close the summer!
