Indian Filmmaker, Anuparna Roy, created history at the 82nd edition of the Venice Film Festival. A historic win where she bagged the Best Director Award for “Songs of Forgotten Trees” in the Orizzonti Competition section. The announcement was made by the French filmmaker Julia Ducournau, the president of the jury of the Orizzonti Competition section.
Anuparna received the award in a white saree with all confidence, pride, and happiness. While receiving the award, she gave a winning speech that stated,
“This moment is surreal. I am standing here at a great festival like Venice. I want my begin by thanking the jury, the audience, and the director of the festival. I want to thank my producer who said yes to the film, which did not fit into the box stereotype films. Anurag (Kashyap) believed in the film from the beginning. I want to thank my incredible cast – beautiful Naaz Shaikh, Sumi Baghel – this award is yours.”
By Anuparna Roy, Director (Source- HT City)
She also revealed her conversations with Anurag Kashyap, and said, “I remembered how Anurag Kahsyap phrased it to me, that winning an award is not just bringing reputation but also responsibility to make better films and better craft, even when you are uncomfortable.”
The film – Songs of Forgotten Trees
The only India Film that got nominated and won the award is “Songs of Forgotten Trees”. The story revolves around the migrant women who develop a bond that is more than just a roommate. The film is showcased in the Orizzonti section and featured in the International Competition.
The cast of the film includes Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel, and it was produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romi Modi, and Ranjan Singh. Anurag Kashyap backed the film as a presenter.
Anuparna’s Advice to Women’s
Anuparna Roy is from West Bengal, India, and she dedicated her award to all the beautiful women. She said,
“I have seen the women’s lives there. If any of them, after seeing this, can raise their voices, it would be great. It will be sufficient for me to keep myself motivated.”
By Anuparna Roy, Director
She further shared with the media that making a film on women and showcasing their intimacy needs courage and support. She hailed the support she got from male team. She says, “It was definitely tough, but the kind of backing I received set an example for the world. Gender is literally secondary. My whole film was backed by men, and then Anurag Sir was a bonus. For a film talking about friendship, outside the film too, the team members were friends and close. This is huge.”
Anuparna created History
Everyone hailed the film and congratulated her for creating history. Anuparna told the media that,
“All these statements are making me humble. I cannot lie back and enjoy hearing that I have created history. Come on! I am inspired by many other and better women filmmakers from within and outside India. It’s not just me; It’s cinema which has created history again. I would love to give the award to cinema and my love for it.”
By Anuparna Roy, Director (Source – HT City)