Filmmaker Anuparna Roy from India has etched her name in cinematic history by securing the Best Director Award at the 82nd Venice Film Festival. Hailing from Purulia, West Bengal, she clinched the accolade in the festival’s Orizzonti section for her debut feature film, Songs of Forgotten Trees.
The announcement was made by French filmmaker Julia Ducournau, who chairs the jury for the Orizzonti section. Anuparna described receiving the honor as a ‘surreal’ experience. However, her acceptance speech took a poignant turn as she addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, expressing her anger and concern.
“I want to take a moment and talk about something that is bigger, something disastrous that is happening in Palestine. Every child deserves peace, freedom, and liberation, and Palestine is no exception. I might upset my country, but it doesn’t matter to me anymore,” she stated.
Despite beginning her speech with gratitude, she emphasized her appreciation for the jury, the audience, and the festival director. She also thanked her producer, Anurag Kashyap, for believing in a project that defied conventional film stereotypes. “This award is yours,” she noted, acknowledging her talented cast, including Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel.
Anuparna dedicated the award to those in her homeland and throughout India, expressing her gratitude to Celluloid Films for their support. She also praised her cinematographer, Debjit Banerjee, saying, “Each one of you were amazing.”
Raised in a village in Purulia, Anuparna pursued English literature and mass communications. She initially explored a career in a Delhi call center and later transitioned to an IT sales role in Mumbai. Her filmmaking journey commenced with the short film Run to The River in 2023.
Songs of Forgotten Trees delves into the relationships of two migrant women navigating life in Mumbai. The film features performances by Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel, with support from producers Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh, alongside Anurag Kashyap as a presenter.
Original Source: https://nenow.in/entertainment/purulia-girl-annapurna-roy-bags-best-director-award-at-venice-film-festival.html
Category: Entertainment,National,Top News,World,Annapurna Roy,Anurag Kashyap,Moves,Venice Film Festival
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Publish Date: 2025-09-07 03:21:00
