Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ Anuparna Roy has made history as the first Indian director to win the Best Director prize in the Orizzonti category at the 82nd Venice Film Festival. Her debut film, Songs of Forgotten Trees, garnered her the coveted accolade. The film was also the sole Indian submission chosen for this year’s competition. Presented by noted filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, Songs of Forgotten Trees stars Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel. It tells the story of two migrant women in Mumbai whose lives unexpectedly intersect, exploring themes of survival, identity, and quiet resilience in a city that never stops moving.
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Roy, who is a native of Narayanpur, a small village in West Bengal‘s Purulia area, had an odd route to the film industry. She studied English literature at Burdwan University before pursuing a career in mass media. Before turning to filmmaking, she worked at a call center in Delhi and as a sales executive in Mumbai’s IT sector. She also trained in acting at Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares and worked as an assistant director on Run to the River.
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As Roy accepted the award, she dedicated it to women whose voices have faced neglect or ridicule. “This film is a tribute to every woman who’s ever been silenced, overlooked, or underestimated,” she said. “May this win inspire more voices, more stories, and more power for women in cinema and beyond.” Roy also used the platform to voice support for Palestinians, stating, “Every child deserves peace and freedom, and Palestinians are no exception. I don’t want applause for this – it’s simply the right thing to say.”
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Co-produced by Navin Shetty and Roy herself, the film explores a nuanced bond between two women, one an aspiring actress and the other a corporate professional, who discover an unlikely connection in a shared apartment. The Orizzonti section has previously recognized acclaimed Indian films like Court and Stolen and continues to be a space for bold and original voices in world cinema.
