Anuparna Roy Wins Best Director at Venice Film Festival

In a proud moment for Indian cinema, Anuparna Roy has won the Best Director award in the prestigious Orizzonti section at the 82nd Venice Film Festival. Her evocative film, Songs of Forgotten Trees, was the only Indian entry in this category and stood out for its poignant portrayal of two migrant women navigating life in Mumbai.

The award was presented by Julia Ducournau, the acclaimed French director and President of the Orizzonti jury, marking a significant recognition for independent Indian filmmaking on the global stage.

The Film: Songs of Forgotten Trees

Songs of Forgotten Trees delves into the inner worlds of two migrant women as they confront memory, identity, and survival in the ever-changing urban landscape of Mumbai. With its minimalistic style and emotionally layered storytelling, the film brings focus to marginalized voices and the quiet struggles of everyday lives—themes rarely explored in mainstream Indian cinema.

The film’s selection and success in the Orizzonti section, which highlights new trends and emerging talent in world cinema, underscores Roy’s growing stature as a voice of independent, socially conscious filmmaking.

Anuparna Roy: A Voice for the Voiceless

• Anuparna Roy’s directorial win adds to the growing list of Indian women filmmakers earning international acclaim. Known for her nuanced and intimate storytelling, Roy has consistently tackled issues like migration, gender inequality, and urban alienation in her past work.
• This Venice accolade marks her career-defining international breakthrough, positioning her alongside pioneering Indian filmmakers who have successfully represented Indian stories on the global stage.
• Her approach combines visual lyricism with documentary realism, making Songs of Forgotten Trees both a cinematic and emotional experience. The film’s critical success is also expected to bolster the global visibility of Indian indie films, especially those led by women directors.

Venice 2025: Other Major Winners

While Anuparna Roy’s triumph stole hearts, the Golden Lion for Best Film went to veteran U.S. director Jim Jarmusch for Father Mother Sister Brother, a reflective take on family dynamics across three continents—New Jersey, Dublin, and Paris.

Other notable winners at the festival included,

• Silver Lion (Runner-up): The Voice of Hind Rajab by Kaouther Ben Hania, based on a true story from the Gaza war
• Best Actor: Toni Servillo for La Grazia
• Best Actress: Xin Zhilei for The Sun Rises On Us All
• Best Director (Main Competition): Benny Safdie for The Smashing Machine
• Special Jury Prize: Gianfranco Rosi for Below the Clouds

These selections reflect a strong global focus on sociopolitical themes, personal trauma, and cross-cultural introspection.

Significance for India and Global Cinema

Anuparna Roy’s win is particularly notable because Indian films have rarely received top directing honours at major European festivals outside of special screenings or documentary categories. Her achievement not only highlights the power of women-led storytelling, but also the growing appreciation for non-mainstream narratives emerging from India.

This moment also encourages aspiring Indian filmmakers to pursue stories rooted in local realities with global resonance—an increasingly valued trait in the international film circuit.

Key Takeaways for Exam

• Award: Best Director – Orizzonti section
• Film: Songs of Forgotten Trees
• Festival: 82nd Venice Film Festival (2025)
• Theme: Life of two migrant women in Mumbai
• Presented by: Julia Ducournau, Orizzonti Jury President