Mangaluru: Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy created history at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, bagging the Best Director award in the Orizzonti section for her acclaimed film Songs of Forgotten Trees. The award, announced by jury president and French filmmaker Julia Ducournau, marks a significant milestone for Indian cinema on the global stage.
A surreal recognition for Anuparna Roy
Wearing a white saree, Anuparna Roy walked onto the stage to receive the prestigious honor, describing the moment as “surreal.” In her acceptance speech, she thanked the jury, the audience, and the festival’s director. She also expressed deep gratitude to her producer for believing in the film despite its unconventional storyline and breaking free from stereotypical narratives.
Anuparna specially thanked renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who supported the project from its inception. “Anurag believed in the film from the start,” she said. She also praised her lead actors, Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel, calling them “beautiful” and dedicating the award to them.
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Dedication to community and global concerns
In a heartfelt message, Anuparna dedicated the award to the people in her hometown and across India. She thanked Celluloid Films for backing the project and applauded her technical team, including Debjit Banerjee, the 80-year-old gaffer, for their exceptional support.
Further, she took a moment to address the ongoing crisis in Palestine, stating that “every child deserves peace, freedom, and liberation.” She added that while her statement might upset some, standing by her convictions was more important.
About Songs of Forgotten Trees
Songs of Forgotten Trees tells the story of the evolving relationship between two migrant women in Mumbai, highlighting themes of friendship, survival, and resilience. The film was featured in the Orizzonti section, which spotlights new trends, debut works, indie films, and voices from lesser-known cinema spaces.
The movie was produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh, with Anurag Kashyap presenting it. The film’s focus on empathy and strength has garnered praise from critics and audiences alike.
A milestone for Indian cinema
Anuparna Roy’s win is being celebrated as a landmark moment for women directors and independent filmmakers in India. Her ability to blend creativity with meaningful social commentary is inspiring a new generation of storytellers.
Her bold remarks and powerful narrative underscore that cinema is more than entertainment—it’s a platform for advocacy, resilience, and change.