Anuparna Roy becomes first Indian to win Best Director award in Orizzonti section at Venice Film Festival | Bollywood News

Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy made hory at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival winning the Best Director award. Roy won the award in the film festival’s Orizzonti section for her film Songs of Forgotten Trees. The category focuses on new trends in cinema, and highlights debut works, young talents, indie films and lesser-known films which leave a big impact. Songs of Forgotten Trees was also the only Indian film selected in this prestigious category.
The award was announced French filmmaker Julia Ducournau, who was the head of the Orizzonti jury. Anuparna, dressed in a white saree, walked up to the stage to collect the award. She said the moment felt “surreal” and went on to thank the jury, the cast, particularly Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel, for bringing her story to life. The filmmaker also thanked Anurag Kashyap, who supported the film from the start and believed in its worth, despite its unconventional story. “I want to thank Anurag Kashyap, my producers, the cast, the crew, and everyone who stood a film that didn’t fit into easy boxes. Each one there in my hometown, in my country, I want to dedicate this award to them. I want to thank Celluloid Films who showing faith in the film. I want to thank my DoP, the 80-year-old gaffer Debjit Banerjee… each one of you was amazing,” Anuparna said while accepting the award.
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While on stage, Anuparna Roy also took a moment to speak about Palestine, brining attention to the suffering of children there. “Every child deserves peace, freedom, and liberation, and Palestine is no exception,” she said adding, “even if it upsets my country, it’s what I must say.”
Songs of Forgotten Trees
Songs of Forgotten Trees revolves around two migrant women in Mumbai, Thooya (Naaz Shaikh) and Swetha (Sumi Baghel). The narrative of the film is very personal to Anuparna as the filmmaker accepted that it is inspired her own memories and observations of watching women juggle with urban life, friendship, and silent resance.  The film is produced Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh, with Anurag Kashyap as presenter. This win makes Anuparna Roy the first Indian filmmaker to receive the Best Director award in the Orizzonti competition at Venice.
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Complete l of winners at 2025 Venice Film Festival
Main CompetitionStory continues below this ad
Golden Lion: Father Mother Ser Brother, Jim JarmuschGrand Jury Prize: The Voice of Hind Rajab, Kaouther Ben HaniaSpecial Jury Prize: Sotto le nuvole, Gianfranco RosiSilver Lion for Best Director: Benny Safdie, The Smashing MachineVolpi Cup for Best Actress: Xin Zhilei, The Sun Rises on Us AllVolpi Cup for Best Actor: Toni Servillo, La GraziaBest Screenplay: À pied d’œuvre, Valérie Donzelli and Gilles MarchandMarcello Mastroianni Award for emerging performer: Luna Wedler, Silent FriendGolden Lion for Lifetime Achievement: Werner Herzog and Kim Novak
Orizzonti
Best Film: En el Camino, David PablosBest Director: Anuparna Roy, Songs of Forgotten TreesSpecial Jury Prize: Hara Watan, Akio FujimotoBest Actress: Benedetta Porcaroli, Il Rapimento di ArabellaBest Actor: Giacomo Covi, Un Anno di ScuolaBest Screenplay: Hiedra, Ana Crina BarragánBest Short Film: Without Kelly, Lovisa Sirén
Venice Spotlight
Armani Beauty Audience Award: Calle Málaga, Maryam Touzani
Lion of the Future
Luigi De Laurentiis Award for a Debut Film: Short Summer, Nastia Korkia
Venice Classics
Best Documentary on Cinema: Mata Hari, Joe Beshenkovsky and James SmithBest Restored Film: Bashu, the Little Stranger, Bahram Beyzaie
Venice ImmersiveStory continues below this ad
Venice Immersive Achievement Prize: The Long Goode Victor Maes and Kate VoetSpecial Jury Prize: Less Than 5gr of Saffron Négar MotevalymeidanshahGrand Prize: The Clouds Are Two Thousand Meters Up Singing Chen and Shuping Lee