Indian cinema has added a shining new chapter to its global journey. At the 82nd Venice Film Festival, debut filmmaker Anuparna Roy created history by winning the Best Director Award in the Orizzonti (Horizons) section for her film Songs of Forgotten Trees. The recognition not only celebrates Roy’s artistic brilliance but also marks a landmark moment for Indian women in global cinema.
Who is Anuparna Roy?
Anuparna Roy, born in Kolkata and trained in filmmaking at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), has long been passionate about stories rooted in memory, identity, and the human connection with nature. Before stepping into direction, she worked as a screenwriter and documentary filmmaker, gaining recognition at independent film circuits in India and abroad.
Known for her poetic visual style and strong socio-cultural themes, Roy has often spoken about using cinema as a medium to preserve “whispers of forgotten histories.” Songs of Forgotten Trees is her directorial debut in feature films, yet its impact has already echoed worldwide.
About the Film – A Poetic Journey of Memory and Nature
Songs of Forgotten Trees is set in a small Himalayan village where old forests are threatened by modern expansion. The story revolves around a young woman returning to her ancestral land, where she uncovers tales hidden in the trees—narratives of love, displacement, and resilience passed down through generations.
Critics at Venice praised the film for its lyrical storytelling, haunting cinematography, and powerful use of silence and soundscapes. The jury noted that Roy’s work “pushes the boundaries of contemporary cinema while staying rooted in cultural authenticity.”
A Milestone for Indian Women in Cinema
Roy’s win is historic—not only is she among the very few Indian directors to receive this honor at Venice, but she also stands as a strong representative of women filmmakers breaking barriers on the global stage. Her victory follows the footsteps of Indian auteurs like Mira Nair, who decades ago carved space for Indian narratives at international festivals.
An emotional Roy, accepting her award, dedicated it to “the storytellers who find courage in silence and the women who dare to dream beyond borders.”
A New Era for Indian Cinema
Her achievement signals a growing global recognition of Indian independent cinema—stories that go beyond Bollywood glamour, capturing the raw, intimate, and often untold voices of India. With Songs of Forgotten Trees, Anuparna Roy has positioned herself as a bold new voice in world cinema, one whose future promises more groundbreaking narratives.
