Mumbai, 11 Sept

Filmmaker Anuparna Roy, the first Indian to win the Orizzonti Award for Best Director at the Venice International Film Festival for her debut ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees’, said speaking about Palestine during her acceptance was a moral responsibility.

Roy, who had no prepared speech, told PTI, “If I have a mic and I'm not talking about these uncomfortable things, I won't consider myself a global citizen. I’ll be just a random bourgeoise, ignoring everything happening around.” Her impromptu remarks emphasised global issues while drawing attention to her film, which she described as a tribute to “every woman who’s ever been silenced, overlooked, or underestimated.”

The film follows Thooya, a migrant woman surviving the city with wit and beauty. She befriends another migrant and sublets her sugar daddy’s upscale apartment to her. Their evolving bond highlights empathy across social divides. Roy drew inspiration from her grandmother and childhood friend, blending personal histories with larger social themes.

Roy recounted the nerves and support from her producers before the speech, noting her sari, designed by Assam’s Muskan Mittal, included a Palestinian flag in its border — a subtle political statement. Growing up in Purulia, West Bengal, she studied English literature before moving to Delhi and Mumbai to pursue filmmaking, inspired by works from Satyajit Ray, Ritwick Ghatak, and Bahman Ghobadi.

The director, who also worked in call centres and IT, credited mentors like Anirban Maity, Paresh Kamdar, and Neeraj Sahai for guidance, while Anurag Kashyap served as a presenter on her film. Roy said the Venice recognition brings responsibility to continue making films that confront uncomfortable truths. She is now developing projects exploring British Bengal and marginalised communities in Bombay.