Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy has made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Best Director award in the Orizzonti section at the 82nd Venice Film Festival. Her debut feature, Songs of Forgotten Trees, presented by Anurag Kashyap, was the only Indian film selected for the section.
Roy dedicated the award to her country and to women who have been "silenced, overlooked, or underestimated." She said the film is a tribute to them and hopes the win will "inspire more voices, more stories, and more power for women in cinema and beyond."
The film tells the story of two migrant women in Mumbai, Thooya (Naaz Shaikh) and Swetha (Sumi Baghel), whose lives become intertwined. According to the synopsis, the film explores their "silent empathy" and "delicate connection" amid the challenges of city life.
The Orizzonti section highlights new trends and celebrates debut works and indie films. Roy’s win stands out given the strong lineup of global premieres at the festival. Her victory is seen as a sign that Indian narratives are resonating on a global platform.
Producer Romil Modi stated that supporting women filmmakers like Roy is a "responsibility." He added that "their stories hold so much strength, honesty, and heart; far more compelling than the endless war-driven tales we see today." The film's recognition at such a prestigious festival validates the belief that authentic stories can connect with audiences worldwide.