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Mumbai, September 10, 2025
India is celebrating a golden chapter in its cinematic history as filmmaker Anuparna Roy clinched the coveted Best Director Award in the Orizzonti section at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. Her breathtaking work Songs of Forgotten Trees not only moved international audiences but also etched her name in history as the first Indian filmmaker to ever receive this honor.
A Film That Touched the World
Roy’s Songs of Forgotten Trees has been described as a hauntingly poetic film that delicately ties together nature, memory, folklore, and human emotions. Through its visual beauty and soulful storytelling, the film reflects on how landscapes preserve stories of generations past. Critics at Venice hailed it as “lyrical, meditative, and unforgettable,” with its cinematography and unique narrative style standing out among hundreds of films from across the world.
The Journey of Anuparna Roy
What makes this win even more special is Roy’s personal journey. Once an IT professional, she walked away from corporate life to pursue her passion for cinema, despite family doubts and financial hardships. While her early short films gathered quiet appreciation at niche festivals, Songs of Forgotten Trees became her breakthrough, placing her on the world stage. Accepting her award at Venice, an emotional Roy said: “This award is not just mine—it belongs to every dreamer in India who believes in the power of storytelling.”
A Win That Resonates Beyond Borders
The Venice Film Festival belongs to the exclusive trio of global cinema platforms alongside Cannes and Berlin. To win here is often considered a seal of global excellence. For an Indian woman to clinch such an honor, the moment is monumental—not just for Indian cinema, but for the representation of diverse voices on the international stage.
Reactions Pour In
Across India, the film industry erupted in celebration. Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas hailed Roy’s achievement as “a historic moment for Indian storytellers everywhere.” Director Meghna Gulzar called it a “victory that will ignite courage among countless young women.” On social media, hashtags like #ProudIndia and #VeniceWin trended as fans poured in congratulations, making Roy’s triumph a nationwide celebration.
Why It Matters
Indian cinema often shines for its commercial blockbusters, but this milestone reflects a growing recognition of artistic, independent storytelling from the country. Roy’s success demonstrates how Indian voices, deeply rooted in culture yet universally relatable, are shaping the global conversation on art and identity.
A Legacy in the Making
For many, Anuparna Roy’s win is not merely about one film it’s about hope. It signals that perseverance, courage, and originality can break barriers, no matter where one starts. From writing code in an IT cubicle to holding the Best Director trophy on the red carpets of Venice, Roy’s journey is living proof that dreams, when chased with heart and grit, can rewrite history.
