Kolkata&rsquo;s own Anuparna Roy has scripted history by winning the Best Director award at the Venice International Film Festival&rsquo;s Orizzonti section for her debut feature Song of Forgotten Trees. The achievement makes her the first Indian filmmaker to earn this honor in the prestigious category.
The film, which explores the layered relationship between two women in Mumbai, a migrant actress and a corporate worker stood out for its powerful storytelling and nuanced direction.
Her father, Brahmananda Roy, beamed with pride as he recalled the moment she broke the news to him. &ldquo;We were asleep around 12.30 am when Anuparna called. She was elated. Initially, I couldn&rsquo;t believe it. I asked if she had really stood first. &lsquo;Yes Baba,&rsquo; she replied. Her mother was crying with joy,&rdquo; he said.
The journey, however, was far from easy. Anuparna, who graduated in English honours and worked in the IT sector in Delhi before moving to Mumbai in 2021, had no formal training in cinema. &ldquo;When she first said she wanted to direct films, we thought it was a gamble. But her dedication and perseverance gradually made us confident,&rdquo; her father admitted.
Her parents also revealed how she invested much of her salary into filmmaking, with family support filling the gaps. Despite initial struggles with outdoor shoots and resources, Anuparna&rsquo;s determination ensured her project reached completion.
Her mother, Manisha Roy, remembered her daughter&rsquo;s focus: &ldquo;She always gave 100 percent to anything she wanted to achieve. She once told us she would make us proud and she has.&rdquo;
The family now awaits her return to West Bengal before Durga Puja, where she is expected to meet Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Both the CM and Governor C. V. Ananda Bose have already congratulated her on the achievement.
While her career has just begun, Roy&rsquo;s groundbreaking win has already placed her among the brightest new voices in world cinema. At home, however, she remains a daughter who misses &ldquo;ghar ka khana&rdquo;. &ldquo;She often tells us how much she craves rice, sabji, dhokar dalna, fish, and mutton,&rdquo; her father laughed.
With Song of Forgotten Trees shining on the global stage, Anuparna Roy has not only carved her own identity but also placed Indian independent cinema in the global spotlight.

Anuparna Roy Wins Big at Venice Film Fest

IT professional-turned-filmmaker bags historic Best Director award for debut film

Anuparna Roy Wins Big at Venice Film Fest

IT professional-turned-filmmaker bags historic Best Director award for debut film

September 9, 2025 | 14:57 IST