Filmmaker Anuparna Roy has achieved a significant milestone with her debut feature film, ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees.’ The film earned her the Orizzonti Award for Best Director at the 82nd Venice Film Festival. The award was presented to her by fellow director Anurag Kashyap. Roy expressed her excitement about the win, stating her hope that the film resonates with women globally. She dedicated the award to women who have been silenced, overlooked, or underestimated, and hoped it would inspire more voices and stories in cinema. Producer Bibhanshu Rai praised Roy’s dedication, acknowledging the challenges during production but highlighting her unwavering commitment to the story. Producer Romil Modi emphasized the importance of supporting women’s stories, considering them more compelling than conventional narratives. Ranjan Singh of Flip Films mentioned that Roy’s initial vision of a human drama helped in the film’s production. The film was the only Indian entry in the Orizzonti section and impressed both the jury and the audience. The film’s producers are Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh, with Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel playing the lead roles. The film’s theme revolves around the lives of two women connecting in Mumbai. The synopsis details the story of Thooya, an aspiring actress, and Swetha, who work in corporate, forming an unexpected connection amidst the city’s environment.
