Anuparna Roy from Bengal wins hearts and history at Venice - GetBengal Story
Venice has always been a city of stories—whispered along its canals, reflected in its shimmering waters. Last week, the story that made the rounds, at least in Bengal and India was that of Anuparna Roy, the Indian filmmaker whose debut feature, Songs of Forgotten Trees, earned her the Best Director award in the Orizzonti section of the 82nd Venice Film Festival.
For Roy, the journey to this moment was anything but easy. Countless days and nights went into crafting a story that treads the delicate line between memory, loss, and resilience.
Presented by renowned director Anurag Kashyap, Roy’s film was the only Indian entry in the Orizzonti section this year, yet it managed to capture universal emotions that resonated deeply with audiences and jurors alike. On the closing night, hosted by Emanuela Fanelli, independent legend Jim Jarmusch took home the Golden Lion for Father Mother Sister Brother, but it was Roy’s quiet yet powerful presence on stage that lingered in the minds of many.
Behind the cameras, Roy often worked in solitude, trusting her instincts and the voices of the characters she brought to life. On stage, she carried herself with humility, a gentle reminder that big achievements often come from small, persistent steps. For filmmakers in India, Roy’s win is a moment of pride and inspiration—a signal that stories rooted in authenticity can travel the world, no matter how modest their beginnings.
As Venice bid farewell to its stars and stories, Anuparna Roy’s achievement remained a highlight—not just a win for Indian cinema, but a celebration of perseverance, vision, and the human stories that connect us all.
