Who Is Anuparna Roy? Indian Filmmaker Wins 'Best Director' At Venice Film Fest

When Anuparna Roy was announced as the Best Director in the Orizzonti section at the 82nd Venice Film Festival for her film Songs of Forgotten Trees, it was a victory that extended far beyond personal achievement. Born in Narayanpur, Purulia, and raised in Kulti, West Bengal, Roy’s journey from small-town classrooms to one of cinema’s most prestigious stages reflects dedication, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to telling stories that matter.

Her educational path was grounded in ordinary beginnings: local schools in Purulia and Kulti, followed by a graduation in English Honours from Burdwan University. She then moved to Delhi for a Master’s in Mass Communication and worked in an IT company before finally pursuing her passion for filmmaking in Mumbai around 2020. This path demonstrates how diverse experiences can inform artistic vision, and how determination, not privilege alone, shapes success.

Anuparna Roy At Venice Film Festival

Songs of Forgotten Trees, Roy’s second film, explores the lives of two migrant women in Mumbai, weaving a story about memory, companionship, and resilience. It is a quiet yet powerful narrative that emphasises the experiences of women often overlooked in mainstream cinema. By choosing to centre women’s stories, Roy reminds audiences that cinema is a medium through which empathy and understanding can expand beyond conventional narratives.

Her award speech also captured global attention. She raised a voice in support of Palestinian children enduring the ongoing conflict. "Every child deserves peace, freedom, liberation, and Palestinians are no exception. It’s a responsibility at the moment to stand by Palestine." Roy said. "I might upset my country, but it doesn’t matter to me anymore," she asserted.

According to Hindustan Times, Roy dedicated her award to women who have been overlooked or underestimated, a gesture that resonates universally. She highlighted the importance of recognising women’s contributions and voices in every field. Her words turned her personal success into a collective celebration, encouraging reflection on how society values women’s work and stories.

"This film is a tribute to every woman who’s ever been silenced, overlooked, or underestimated. May this win inspire more voices, more stories, and more power for women in cinema and beyond," Roy said.

The significance of this achievement is amplified by the fact that Roy is the first Indian to win Best Director in the Orizzonti section at Venice. This milestone is not just about recognition on an international stage; it symbolises the global relevance of stories rooted in Indian contexts and the universality of women’s experiences. From Purulia to Venice, Roy has carried narratives that might otherwise have remained unseen, proving that local stories can resonate worldwide.

Equally inspiring is the role her family has played in her journey. Her father, Brahmananda Roy, a retired Production Manager at Eastern Coalfields Limited, and her mother, Manisha Roy, a homemaker, have supported her through every stage. Their pride reflects the collective investment of families and communities in nurturing talent, especially for women navigating creative careers.

Roy’s victory is also a reminder that ambition and hard work can redefine expectations. It shows aspiring women filmmakers and storytellers that backgrounds, geographic limitations, or early career choices need not constrain the scope of one’s dreams. Her work reinforces the idea that women’s perspectives are vital, compelling, and worthy of recognition at every level of storytelling.

In celebrating Anuparna Roy, we celebrate more than an individual accolade; we celebrate the power of women’s voices, the importance of diverse stories, and the value of perseverance. Songs of Forgotten Trees is a testament to the quiet strength of women who navigate challenges with resilience, and Roy’s international recognition ensures that these stories reach audiences far and wide.

Views expressed by the author are their own.