Anuparna Roy, winner of the Orizzonti best director award for ‘Songs of the Forgotten Trees’, poses for photographers at the awards photo call during the 82nd edition of the Venice Film Festival
| Photo Credit: AP
Debutant filmmaker Anuparna Roy has made history at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, becoming the first Indian woman to win the prestigious Orizzonti Award for Best Director. Her feature Songs of Forgotten Trees, presented by Anurag Kashyap, was celebrated in the international competition that spotlights bold voices and fresh storytelling.
The award was announced by jury president Julia Ducournau, with Roy taking the stage in a white saree to a standing ovation. In an emotional acceptance speech, she described the moment as “surreal” and credited her cast, crew, and Kashyap for believing in a story that resisted formula. She dedicated the honour to her hometown and country, while also using the platform to call attention to the ongoing crisis in Palestine, declaring, “Every child deserves peace, freedom and liberation, and Palestine is no exception.”
Songs of Forgotten Trees follows Thooya, a migrant and aspiring actress in Mumbai, whose chance connection with Swetha, a corporate professional, sparks an intimate exploration of survival, vulnerability, and kinship in the city’s relentless landscape. Featuring Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel in leading roles, the film was co-produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh.
The project was far from easy to bring to life. “We went through challenges, tough days, and moments of doubt. But Anuparna never gave up—her fire kept us going,” Rai said. Modi added that championing women filmmakers like Roy was “not just a choice, but a responsibility,” noting that their stories carry rare honesty and power.
Kashyap, who supported the project as a presenter, praised Roy for her conviction. “She stayed true to her first pitch,” Singh echoed. “This win is proof that when you tell stories you truly believe in, they resonate universally.”
The Orizzonti section, known for spotlighting daring new cinema, has previously launched acclaimed Indian works like Chaitanya Tamhane’s Court and Karan Tejpal’s Stolen. With this recognition, Roy joins that lineage, firmly establishing herself as a filmmaker to watch.
Published – September 07, 2025 01:14 pm IST
