Filmmaker Anuparna Roy has become the first Indian to win the Best Director award at the Venice International Film Festival, marking a milestone moment for Indian cinema. She received the honour for her film Songs of Forgotten Trees, the only Indian entry in the prestigious Orizzonti Competition section this year.
Speaking to HT City after her win, Roy described feeling “happy, tired, and content,” while acknowledging the weight of responsibility that comes with the historic achievement.
“Cinema Has Created History, Not Me”
Roy was quick to downplay her individual glory, crediting cinema itself for the achievement. “I cannot just sit back and enjoy hearing that I’ve created history. I am inspired by many other — and better — women filmmakers. It’s not just me; it’s cinema which has created history again,” she said.
She added that she still considers herself a student of the craft. “Learning will be my topmost priority. It was before, it is now, and it will be in the future.”
Dedication to Women and Her Roots
Reflecting on her journey while receiving the award, Roy recalled advice from filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who presented the honour: winning an award also means accepting responsibility to make better films. She dedicated the award to women everywhere and to her home village of Purulia, West Bengal.
“I have seen the struggles of women there. If any of them, after seeing this, can raise their voices, that will be enough for me to stay motivated,” she said.
Backed by an All-Men Team
Roy highlighted the unusual yet encouraging fact that her film on women’s lives and intimacy was supported entirely by male producers. “Gender is literally secondary. My whole film was backed by men — Ranjan Singh, who first said yes when I was scripting; Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and later Anurag Kashyap, who came on board thanks to Ranjan sir. Co-producers Naveen Shetty, Vikas Kumar, and Sharib Khan also stood by me. It was a film about friendship, and even off-screen, the team embodied that spirit.”
About the Film
Songs of Forgotten Trees explores women’s experiences, friendships, and unspoken bonds. Its recognition at Venice is being hailed as a landmark for Indian independent cinema on the global stage.
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