Filmmaker Anuparna Roy made history by winning the Orizzonti Award for Best Director at the 82nd Venice Film Festival for her debut feature, songs of Forgotten Trees. The film, presented by acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, was the only Indian entry selected in the prestigious Orizzonti section this year.
Anuparna Roy becomes first-time director to win Orizzonti award at Venice for songs of Forgotten Trees
Roy, who appeared visibly emotional as she accepted the award on stage, dedicated the honour to her country. The film received a strong response from both audiences and the jury, earning her one of the festival’s top accolades. Starring Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel, songs of Forgotten Trees was produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh. The story follows two migrant women in Mumbai whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined.
In her statement from Venice, Roy said,“This film is a tribute to every woman who’s ever been silenced, overlooked, or underestimated. May this win inspire more voices, more stories, and more power for women in cinema and beyond.” Producer Bibhanshu Rai reflected on the journey of making the film, saying, “It was never easy. We faced many challenges, tough days, and moments of doubt. But we kept going because this story needed to be told. Anuparna never gave up—she has that fire, and it kept all of us moving forward.”
Co-producer Romil Modi added, “Supporting filmmakers like Anuparna isn’t just a choice, it’s a responsibility. Their stories carry strength, honesty, and depth—far more compelling than the war-driven narratives we often see. This film is my way of standing by her, and by every woman whose voice deserves to be heard.” Ranjan Singh of Flip Films shared, “Anuparna stayed true to her original vision. She made the film she wanted to make. This win proves that when a story is told with honesty, it can connect with people across the world.”
According to the official synopsis, songs of Forgotten Trees—co-produced by Navin Shetty and Anuparna Roy—follows Thooya, a migrant and aspiring actress in Mumbai, who survives by leveraging her charm and beauty, occasionally trading intimacy for opportunity. When she sublets her sugar daddy’s upscale apartment to Swetha, a fellow migrant with a corporate job, the two women—though from seemingly different worlds—begin to share more than just a living space.
As the story unfolds, amid the chaos of Mumbai, the two develop a quiet, unexpected empathy. But as personal histories, desires, and emotional wounds emerge, their bond is tested—not with conflict, but through a slow and intimate evolution of selfhood, survival, and kinship. The Orizzonti section at Venice has long been a platform for new and innovative voices in global cinema. Past Indian films honored in this category include Chaitanya Tamhane’s Court and Karan Tejpal’s Stolen.
Songs of Forgotten Trees not only marks a powerful directorial debut for Anuparna Roy, but also adds a significant chapter to the presence of Indian independent cinema on the international stage.
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