VENICE, Italy (Diya TV) — Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy has made history at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. She won the Best Director award in the festival’s Orizzonti section for her film Songs of Forgotten Trees. The award marks the first time an Indian filmmaker has received this honor in the category.
The Orizzonti section at Venice celebrates new trends in world cinema. It focuses on debut works, young filmmakers, and independent films that push creative boundaries. Roy’s Songs of Forgotten Trees was also the only Indian film selected for the competition this year. The jury, led by French filmmaker Julia Ducournau, announced Roy as the winner. Ducournau is known for her acclaimed films that challenge cinematic conventions.
Walking onto the stage in a white saree, Roy accepted the award with emotion. She described the moment as “surreal” and expressed gratitude to her team. In her acceptance speech, Roy thanked her producers Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh. She also praised filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who presented the project and supported the film from its early days.
“I want to thank Anurag Kashyap, my producers, the cast, the crew, and everyone who stood by a film that didn’t fit into easy boxes,” Roy said. “Each one there in my hometown, in my country, I want to dedicate this award to them.”
She acknowledged the efforts of her crew, including her director of photography and the 80-year-old gaffer, Debjit Banerjee. “Each one of you was amazing,” she added. Roy used her platform to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. She spoke about the suffering of children in conflict zones.
“Every child deserves peace, freedom, and liberation, and Palestine is no exception,” she said. “Even if it upsets my country, it’s what I must say.”
Her statement drew attention for its boldness and compassion, adding weight to her presence at the global stage. The award-winning film tells the story of two migrant women in Mumbai. Thooya, played by Naaz Shaikh, and Swetha, played by Sumi Baghel, navigate the struggles of urban life, friendship, and quiet resistance.
Roy has described the narrative as deeply personal. She drew inspiration from her own observations and memories of women balancing survival and solidarity in the city. The film highlights the resilience of women in the face of adversity. It also sheds light on the migrant experience in one of India’s busiest urban centers.
Roy’s win is being seen as a landmark moment for Indian independent cinema. The Venice International Film Festival is one of the world’s oldest and most respected film festivals. Its Orizzonti section shines a spotlight on filmmakers who often work outside mainstream cinema.
By winning Best Director, Roy has joined a global community of filmmakers who use cinema to tell bold and personal stories. Her victory also reflects a growing recognition of Indian voices in the international film circuit.
Anurag Kashyap’s role as presenter of the film added credibility to the project. Known for supporting independent filmmakers, Kashyap has long advocated for unconventional storytelling in Indian cinema. His involvement helped Songs of Forgotten Trees gain attention at Venice.
Roy acknowledged his support during her speech. She credited him for believing in the project when others may have doubted its reach. This win cements Roy’s place in history as the first Indian filmmaker to win Best Director in the Orizzonti competition. For Indian cinema, it represents both recognition and inspiration.
