Venice Film Festival 2025: Historic achievement by Anuparna Roy from India as she bagged the Best Director award
Songs of Forgotten Trees Wins Best Director at Venice Film Festival
In a memorable moment at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy was awarded the Best Director prize in the Orizzonti Competition for her film, Songs of Forgotten Trees. The film, which focuses on themes of loneliness, survival, and fleeting moments of connection, revolves around two migrant women in Mumbai.
Roy, dressed in a white saree, graciously accepted the award during the festival's closing ceremony on September 6. The award was announced by Julia Ducournau, president of the Orizzonti jury. This win marks a significant achievement for Roy, as Songs of Forgotten Trees is the only Indian title in Venice's Orizzonti section.
Anurag Kashyap, a renowned Indian filmmaker, presented Songs of Forgotten Trees at the festival. Kashyap is known for his contributions to Indian cinema, and his presence at the event added to the anticipation surrounding Roy's film.
Songs of Forgotten Trees is not the only highly-praised competition title at the festival. Other films receiving high praise include La Grazia (Mubi) from Paolo Sorrentino, A House of Dynamite (Netflix) directed by Kathryn Bigelow, The Smashing Machine (A24) from Benny Safdie, The Testament of Ann Lee directed by Mona Fastvold, Frankenstein (Netflix) directed by Guillermo Del Toro, Bugonia (Focus) directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, and No Other Choice directed by Park Chan-wook.
The Smashing Machine stars Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, while Frankenstein features Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi in leading roles. Bugonia stars Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, and No Other Choice is directed by Park Chan-wook.
This year's Venice Film Festival was a celebration of diverse and thought-provoking cinema from around the world. With its focus on themes of loneliness, survival, and connection, Songs of Forgotten Trees stands out as a poignant and powerful addition to the festival lineup. Anuparna Roy's win for Best Director is a testament to her talent and the impact of her work.
