Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy has made history at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. Anuparna Roy won the Best Director award in the Orizzonti section for her film “Songs of Forgotten Trees” and became the first Indian to secure this victory.
The Orizzonti section is known for appreciating fresh voices, experimental stories, and groundbreaking cinema from all around the world. Roy’s film was also the only Indian entry in this year’s lineup, making the victory even more remarkable.
French filmmaker Julia Ducournau made the announcement, who also headed the Orizzonti jury. While embracing her Indian culture, Roy dressed in an elegant white saree and received the prestigious award.
She described the moment as “surreal” and extended her gratitude to the jury, her team, and everyone who believed in her film. The filmmaker gave special mention to lead actors Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel for bringing her story alive on screen, and to filmmaker Anurag Kashyap for standing by the project from its early days.
Anupurna thanked her producers, crew, and DoP and expressed her gratitude towards each one who believed in a film that didn’t fit into easy boxes. Roy dedicated her victory to her hometown, country, and each person who stood by her in the process. She also acknowledged her 80-year-old gaffer, Debjit Banerjee, calling him an integral part of the journey.
Roy also mentioned the situation of suffering children in Palestine. She said that “Every child deserves peace, freedom, and liberation, and Palestine is no exception”.
The film “Songs of Forgotten Trees” revolves around two migrant women in Mumbai, Thooya (Naaz Shaikh) and Swetha (Sumi Baghel), who express their struggles and quiet resilience. Roy revealed that the film was inspired by her own observations of women’s survival in urban settings.
This historic victory was backed by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh and presented by Anurag Kashyap. With this milestone, Anuparna Roy not only shines a spotlight on Indian indie cinema but also breaks new ground at one of the world’s most respected film festivals.
