Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:33am on 21 Sep 2025,Sunday Entertainment
Anuparna Roy made history at Venice Film Festival, becoming the first Indian director to win the Orizzonti Award for debut film "Songs of Forgotten Trees." The category specifically celebrates new voices in independent world cinema. Roy's emotional acceptance speech, marked by trembling joy and tears, reflected the magnitude of her achievement. Her triumph carries special significance given her grassroots origins in a tribal village in West Bengal's Purulia district, contrasting sharply with Venice's glamorous setting. The victory represents a rare breakthrough for women from her background in international cinema. Roy's journey from a nondescript rural village to prestigious European film festival recognition demonstrates the transformative power of independent filmmaking and diverse storytelling voices. (PC: BBC)