VENICE, Italy (Diya TV) — Anuparna Roy, the filmmaker from rural Bengal, became the first Indian to win the Best Director award in the Orizzonti section at the 82nd Venice Film Festival. Her bold voice and powerful story are now sparking conversations far beyond the cinema.
Roy’s award marks a milestone for Indian cinema on the global stage. The Venice Film Festival is one of the world’s most prestigious film events. Winning the Best Director honor in the Orizzonti section places Roy among the leading voices shaping contemporary world cinema.
Audiences and critics alike praised her film for its originality and emotional depth. For Roy, however, the moment was not only about art.
During her acceptance speech, Roy expressed solidarity with Palestine. Her words quickly drew attention online. “Every child deserves peace, freedom, liberation, and Palestinians are no exception,” she declared.
She admitted that her statement might upset some in her home country. Yet she stood firm in her conviction. “I might upset my country but it doesn’t matter to me anymore,” she said on stage.
The filmmaker’s message added a political dimension to her historic win. While many celebrated her courage, some users on X, criticized her choice of words. The reaction highlighted the tension between artistic freedom and political expression in today’s connected world.
Born in rural Bengal, Roy’s win shines a light on Indian cinema’s growing presence at international festivals. Over the years, films from India have won acclaim in Venice, Cannes, and Berlin. But her Best Director win in the Orizzonti section marks a first.
Industry experts believe Roy’s success could open doors for more Indian directors at top film festivals. Her win highlights the power of storytelling rooted in local experiences yet resonant on a global scale.
