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Anuparna Roy Wins Best Director at the 82nd Venice Film Festival
The Orizzonti section at Venice Film Festival celebrates cutting-edge, innovative filmmaking. Anuparna Roy’s Song of Forgotten Trees stood out among international contenders for its layered storytelling and deeply human narrative.
Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy has scripted history at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, becoming the first Indian to win the Best Director award in the Orizzonti section for her film Song of Forgotten Trees.
Anuparna Roy’s achievement is being hailed as a landmark moment for Indian cinema, particularly independent filmmakers breaking barriers on the international stage. The film explores the story of two women from contrasting backgrounds who share an apartment in Mumbai, forming a profound bond that transcends differences.
From Purulia to the World Stage
Anuparna Roy’s journey from Narayanpur village in Purulia, West Bengal, to Venice Film Festival’s red carpet has been anything but ordinary. Her parents, Brahmananda and Manisha Roy, recall initially opposing her unconventional career path.
“Initially we had objections to her working in the film line. We mocked her, asking if she would become Satyajit Ray. But she never gave up,” her father shared. “Now we see we were wrong. She proved herself.”
Her mother added, “She was tough and determined. We worried because we didn’t understand filmmaking, but it was her passion. From a village in Purulia to Italy — she has made us the proudest parents.”
Anuparna Roy studied English literature at Kulti College before pursuing mass communication in Delhi. Later, she moved to Mumbai, juggling multiple jobs, including in IT sales, while pouring her earnings into filmmaking. Her first short film, Run to the River, marked the beginning of her artistic journey.
Anuparna Roy’s Song of Forgotten Trees
Recognition Beyond Borders
The Orizzonti section at Venice Film Festival celebrates cutting-edge, innovative filmmaking. Anuparna Roy’s Song of Forgotten Trees stood out among international contenders for its layered storytelling and deeply human narrative.
“When she called us from Italy with the news, we couldn’t believe our ears,” said her father. “It took us time to realize what she had achieved.”
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Family, Food, and Film
Despite her global recognition, Roy remains deeply rooted in her heritage. Her mother shared, “Whenever she came home from Mumbai, she always asked me to cook rice and mutton for her. We’re waiting to welcome her back.”
Roy is expected to return to Mumbai on Monday, before heading home to celebrate with her family in Purulia.
A New Chapter for Indian Cinema
Anuparna Roy’s victory at Venice not only highlights her individual brilliance but also signals a growing recognition of Indian voices in global independent cinema. With Song of Forgotten Trees, she has not only won an award but also carved out a place for Indian women directors on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
