Anuparna Roy made history at the Venice Film Festival by winning the Orizzonti Award for her debut film, Songs of Forgotten Trees, making her the first Indian director to receive this honor in a category focused on emerging voices in independent cinema. Roy expressed profound emotion during her acceptance, underscoring the significance of the moment for her, especially given her background from a tribal village in West Bengal’s Purulia district.
Unlike many of her predecessors, Roy comes from a modest upbringing and pursued a typical path that included a college education and a call center job. She initially viewed this employment as a route to economic stability, but an encounter with film students sparked her passion for cinema. Over six years, she saved funds to produce her short film, Run to the River. Later, her direct approach led her to engage Ranjan Singh, the lead producer of Songs of Forgotten Trees, ultimately securing funding for the project.
The film, set in Mumbai, tells the story of Thooya, an aspiring actress and escort, and Swetha, a migrant call center worker, who develop a close relationship while navigating their challenging lives. Critics have highlighted the film’s exploration of urban alienation through its slow, observational filming style, showcasing the emotional complexities of the characters’ lives.
Initially conceived as a documentary, the film draws inspiration from Roy’s personal experiences, including the lives of her grandmother and her friend from the Dalit community. Issues of class and gender in India are central to its narrative.
At the festival, Roy wore a handloom saree featuring the colors of the Palestinian flag, aiming to express solidarity and provoke dialogue about uncomfortable topics. She has expressed a commitment to creating films that reflect harsh realities, stating she has no intention of making commercial cinema. Future projects may include sequels or prequels to Songs of Forgotten Trees, but the focus will remain on authentic storytelling.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce86148vn1xo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss