EntertainmentPosted at: Sep 8 2025 4:25PM


CM, Governor hail Purulia’s Anuparna Roy for historic Venice Film Festival win

Kolkata, Sep 8 (UNI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor C V Ananda Bose has congratulated Purulia born filmmaker Anuparna Roy for creating history at the 82nd Venice Film Festival.
In a post on her X handle, the Chief Minister wrote in Bengali that she was delighted by the news of Roy’s international honour.
“I congratulate her, her parents, and all her friends and supporters. Winning the Best Director award at the world renowned Venice Film Festival is no less than conquering the world of cinema. No Indian has received this recognition in this category before. This is a crown of glory for Bengal’s daughters. I pray she continues to shine and make us proud,” Banerjee wrote.
The Governor also extended his greetings, saying “HG congratulates and conveys best wishes to debut filmmaker Ms. Anuparna Roy for winning the Best Director Award at the 82nd Venice Film Festival’s Orizzonti section for her film Songs of Forgotten Trees.” “Ms Roy has brought glory to her native place Purulia and West Bengal while becoming the first Indian to win the Award. May the young director reach glorious heights in filmmaking in the years ahead,” he added.
Anuparna Roy from Purulia made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Best Director award in the Orizzonti (Horizons) section of the 82nd Venice Film Festival for her debut feature, Songs of Forgotten Trees, presented by Anurag Kashyap. An emotional Anuparna Roy, draped in a white saree, accepted the award in Venice and dedicated it to women worldwide.
“This film is a tribute to every woman who’s ever been silenced, overlooked, or underestimated. May this win inspire more voices, more stories, and more power for women in cinema and beyond,” she said.
She also dedicated the award to the people of India and expressed concern for children affected by the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Roy’s debut feature Songs of Forgotten Trees, presented by Anurag Kashyap and starring Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel, explores the relationship between two migrant women in Mumbai.
The film earned her the top honour in the Orizzonti (Horizons) section, which celebrates fresh perspectives and emerging voices in world cinema.
Born in Narayanpur village of Purulia, Roy studied English literature at the University of Burdwan before working in the corporate sector.
She later trained in acting at Anupam Kher’s ‘Actor Prepares Institute’, eventually following her passion into filmmaking. With her win, Roy becomes the first Indian director to bag the Best Director award in the Orizzonti section, joining the ranks of acclaimed indie filmmakers previously recognised at Venice.
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Tags: #CM# Governor hail Purulia’s Anuparna Roy for historic Venice Film Festival win
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