Indian cinema has once again found its voice on the global stage, and this time, the credit goes to filmmaker Anuparna Roy. Her film, Songs of Forgotten Trees, recently created history at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, marking a defining moment for both the director and Indian storytelling. Celebrities, fans, and critics across the world are celebrating this win, with Bollywood star Alia Bhatt among the first to applaud the achievement.
The film’s recognition is more than just an award – it symbolizes the growing presence of Indian filmmakers in international cinema. Let’s take a deep dive into what makes Songs of Forgotten Trees by Anuparna Roy such a significant milestone.
Alia Bhatt’s Reaction to Anuparna Roy’s Achievement
Alia Bhatt has always been vocal about supporting women who break barriers, and she proved it once again by celebrating the success of Anuparna Roy. The actress took to her Instagram stories to share a heartfelt note, congratulating the filmmaker for her Venice win.
Alia wrote: “A huge congratulations to Anuparna Roy for her win at Venice for Songs of Forgotten Trees. What a beautiful moment for Indian cinema.”
She also reposted another story, captioning it, “Historic. Congratulations, @annieroy09.”
Her reaction reflects how deeply the industry values this international recognition. Bollywood stars like Priyanka Chopra and many others also expressed their admiration for the director, cementing the importance of the victory.
Songs of Forgotten Trees: Anuparna Roy: The Film That Made History
At the core of this celebration is the film itself. Songs of Forgotten Trees, Anuparna Roy is not just a movie – it’s a carefully woven tale of migration, dreams, and resilience. Presented by acclaimed director Anurag Kashyap and backed by producers Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh, the film offers an artistic yet poignant narrative that resonates globally.
Plot Overview
The film tells the story of Thooya, a migrant who dreams of becoming an actress despite the struggles of displacement and survival. Along the way, she finds companionship in a housemate who is also a migrant, working as a corporate professional.
This dual narrative sheds light on two sides of migration – one chasing artistic aspirations and the other caught in the corporate grind. Through this layered storytelling, Songs of Forgotten Trees, Anuparna Roy captures the universal struggles of migrants while highlighting the beauty of human connection.
Cast and Performances
The film stars Bhushan Shimpi, Ravi Maan, Pritam Pilania, and Lovely Singh, each delivering a nuanced performance that adds depth to the narrative. Their portrayal of characters rooted in reality gives the story a raw, relatable feel.
Why the Venice Win Matters
Winning at Venice is not just about prestige – it is about visibility. The Venice Film Festival is one of the most respected platforms for global cinema, often paving the way for films to reach international audiences. By securing an award in the Orizzonti section, Songs of Forgotten Trees, Anuparna Roy has put Indian independent cinema firmly in the spotlight.
Representation of Indian Cinema
For years, Indian cinema on the international stage was often synonymous with mainstream Bollywood. But the rise of directors like Anuparna Roy proves that the world is ready to embrace diverse stories rooted in Indian realities. Her film breaks stereotypes and showcases Indian filmmaking beyond song-and-dance tropes.
Recognition of Migrant Stories
Migration is a theme that resonates worldwide. From Europe to Asia, millions experience displacement, cultural challenges, and dreams of better opportunities. By winning at Venice, Songs of Forgotten Trees, Anuparna Roy highlights how Indian filmmakers can narrate stories with universal appeal.
Industry Reactions and Cultural Impact
The response to Anuparna Roy’s achievement has been overwhelmingly positive. Celebrities, critics, and film enthusiasts have taken to social media to share their admiration.
- Priyanka Chopra praised the filmmaker for creating history.
- Industry experts hailed the film as a sign of changing times in Indian cinema.
- Fans expressed pride that a powerful, independent story from India was celebrated on such a big stage.
This collective appreciation shows how Songs of Forgotten Trees, Anuparna Roy has transcended being just a film – it has become a cultural statement.
Breaking Barriers as a Woman Filmmaker
Another striking aspect of this victory is that it belongs to a woman filmmaker. The global film industry has long faced criticism for underrepresenting women behind the camera. Anuparna Roy’s success with Songs of Forgotten Trees stands as proof that women directors are reshaping cinema with bold and meaningful storytelling.
Her win at Venice echoes the sentiment that diverse voices enrich global cinema, and India’s contribution to this diversity is growing stronger.