US EditionAnuparna Roy becomes first Indian to win Best Director award in Orizzonti section at Venice Film Festival
Anuparna Roy's debut film highlights migrant women's lives in Mumbai, earning her the first Indian Best Director award in Venice's Orizzonti Competition, recognized for bold storytelling.
- On September 7, 2025, Anuparna Roy won the Orizzonti Best Director award for Songs of Forgotten Trees, becoming the first Indian filmmaker honored in the Orizzonti Competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.
- Presented by Anurag Kashyap, Songs of Forgotten Trees premiered on September 1, 2025, as the only Indian entry in Orizzonti; Roy self-funded it while juggling three corporate jobs in Mumbai, India.
- Songs of Forgotten Trees follows Thooya and Swetha, two migrant women in Mumbai, starring Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel with Bhushan Shimpi, Ravi Maan, and Lovely Singh supporting.
- Roy dedicated the honour to women worldwide, called the moment 'surreal', thanked her team, and addressed Palestine, saying every child deserves peace and liberation.
- The win signals a shifting landscape for Indian indie cinema, marking a milestone amid the 82nd Venice International Film Festival with 4,580 submissions and 21 main competition films.
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Venice Film Festival 2025: Anuparna Roy wins Best Director, see full winners list
Hollywood superstar Dwayne Johnson's film has received the Silver Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival. At the same time, India's Anuparna Roy also won the Best Director award. Let's have a look at the full winners list.
Debutant Filmmaker Anuparna Roy Scripts History By Winning Orizzonti Award for Best Director For Anurag Kashyap-Backed 'Songs of Forgotten Trees' At Venice Film Festival
'Songs of Forgotten Trees'—the only Indian film that got selected in the esteemed Orizzonti section this year— bowled over the audience and jury as it won the coveted title for Roy
Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy wins Best Director award at Venice Film Festival with debut movie ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees’ - Connected to India News I Singapore l UAE l UK l USA l NRI
Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy dedicates her award to girls in Purulia, West Bengal, where she was born. Photo courtesy: Instagram/annieroy09 Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy, born in Purulia, a district in the eastern state of West Bengal, has made history by winning the Best Director Award in the Orizzonti section at the 82nd Venice Film Festival with her debut film Songs of Forgotten Trees. She is the first Indian director to win this award. In a…
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