At the 82nd Venice Film Festival, filmmaker Anuparna Roy achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to win the prestigious Orizzonti Award for Best Director. Her debut feature, Songs of Forgotten Trees, presented by acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, was celebrated for its daring storytelling and innovative cinematic voice.
The Orizzonti (Horizons) section at Venice is dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge films from around the world, and winning this award signals an international recognition of Roy’s artistry. The jury praised Songs of Forgotten Trees for its “bold vision and deeply original narrative,” making it stand out among a diverse selection of global films.
This win is not only a personal triumph for Roy but also a landmark moment for Indian cinema on the global stage, especially for women filmmakers. By breaking through at such a prestigious platform, Roy has opened doors for more diverse voices and stories from India to find international acclaim.
Presented by Anurag Kashyap, who has long been an advocate for new and unconventional cinematic voices, Songs of Forgotten Trees reflects a growing confidence in Indian independent cinema.
Roy’s achievement has been widely hailed as a turning point, highlighting the power of fresh perspectives in filmmaking and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.
