The world of cinema has numerous prestigious awards, and the Venice International Film Festival stands as one of the most venerable. This year’s festival holds special significance for India as Anuparna Roy becomes the first Indian director to win an award. Roy’s film, ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees,’ earned her the Best Director title, prompting an expression of her elation.
At the 82nd Venice Film Festival in Italy, Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy showcased exceptional talent, securing her place in history. Following her win, Roy shared her happiness and offered insights into the film’s narrative. She remarked, ‘I believe this comes with a significant responsibility, both as an Indian filmmaker and a global citizen. It fills me with pride and motivates me to continue my journey.’
The film revolves around the character Thuya, a story that Roy connects with personally. Roy elaborated, ‘I have observed my grandmother and her stepdaughter, who were the same age. My grandmother was a child bride, and when she arrived at the house, she found that her stepdaughter was her age. They became more like friends than mother and daughter, and this bond propelled them forward. After my grandfather’s death, they managed the entire family together.’
Furthermore, she spoke about her childhood friend, whom she lost touch with due to caste-based discrimination. Reflecting on her friend’s life, the director shared, ‘When I learned that she was married at 13 through a government initiative, it deeply affected me. Her experience is reflected in the film.’ ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees’ features the stories of two young women, with Naz Sheikh and Sumi Baghel in the lead roles.