Venice, Italy: Indian director Anuparna Roy created history at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival by bagging the Best Director award in the Orizzonti section for her film Songs of Forgotten Trees.

This marks the first time an Indian filmmaker has ever received this honor in the Orizzonti category, which celebrates innovative cinema, fresh voices, debut works, and independent storytelling. Notably, Roy’s film was also the sole Indian entry chosen for the competition this year.

The announcement was made by French filmmaker Julia Ducournau, who chaired the Orizzonti jury. Dressed in a graceful white saree, Roy accepted the award on stage, describing the moment as “unreal.” In her speech, she thanked her producers, cast, and crew for standing by a project that defied conventional boundaries. “I dedicate this award to everyone back in my hometown and my country,” she said, expressing heartfelt gratitude to her supporters.

Roy also acknowledged her collaborators, extending thanks to Celluloid Films and her technical team, including the 80-year-old gaffer Debjit Banerjee. She praised their dedication, calling the filmmaking journey a collective effort.

Using her acceptance speech as a platform, Roy voiced concern over the global humanitarian crisis in Palestine. “Every child deserves peace, freedom, and dignity — Palestine is no exception,” she declared. “Even if it displeases my country, this is something I must say.”

Songs of Forgotten Trees tells the story of two migrant women in Mumbai — Thooya (played by Naaz Shaikh) and Swetha (played by Sumi Baghel). Roy has described the film as deeply personal, shaped by her reflections on women navigating life in the city through resilience, companionship, and struggle. The film was produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh, with noted filmmaker Anurag Kashyap presenting it.