Anuparna Roy Makes History As The Best Director At The 82nd Venice Film Festival

Indian director Anuparna Roy created history by winning the Best Director award at the 82nd Venice Film Festival. She is the first Indian director to win this prestigious award. The win gets attention to Indian independent films on a top international stage like Venice.

While Indian films have been present on the European festival circuit for a long time, this is the first time that an Indian has won the Orizzonti Best Director award.

Anuparna Roy wins award in Orizzonti category

Her film, 'Songs of Forgotten Trees,' won the prize in the Orizzonti category. Orizzonti is the competition section of the Venice Film Festival that celebrates new genres, debuts, young talent, independent films, and less popular but influential films. Anuparna Roy’s film was the only Indian selection in this category, which made the achievement even more significant. The award in this category was announced by French filmmaker Julia Ducournau, who is the head of the Orizzonti jury.

Anuparna thanks producer Anurag Kashyap

After receiving the award, Anuparna Roy first thanked her producer, Anurag Kashyap. She said that Kashyap had faith in the film from the beginning. In her words, 'I thank Anurag Kashyap, my producer, my actors, my team, and everyone who supported me. This award is dedicated to all of them.'

The film’s concept is about the subtle layers of human relationships

The film revolves around the story of two migrant women in Mumbai who search for connection and hope amidst loneliness and struggle. Starring Naaz Sheikh and Sumi Baghel, it depicts the interconnected lives of two women from Mumbai. The film has received widespread praise for its story and Roy’s confident direction.

Anuparna Roy shines in a Bengali look on the red carpet

Anuparna Roy stepped out in a white cotton saree to receive the Best Director award at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, with simple Bengali elegance. Restraint in her jewelry, confidence in her presence, this simple look is catching eyes worldwide.