Filmmaker Anuparna Roy, who recently won the prestigious Orizzonti Award for Best Director at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, has opened up about her journey with ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees’ and the unique experience of bringing the story to life.
Roy revealed that much of the film was shot secretly inside a small apartment in Mumbai. “We used to live together in that house during the shoot, cooking, sleeping, and keeping all the equipment hidden there,” she said. “On the last day, we finally went outdoors for the final scene. It was so emotional for everyone. None of us could forget that moment.”
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The film focuses on two women living in Mumbai and their evolving relationship. For Roy, this subject had always been close to her heart.
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“I had always observed women’s bonds in a platonic way, but this time I wanted to explore the romantic side,” she explained. “It’s about emotions, acceptance, and what it means to find love in an unexpected place.”
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Most of the story unfolds within the apartment setting, with the city of Mumbai providing the backdrop. According to the filmmaker, this intimacy was intentional. The idea was to reflect the inner struggles and personal growth of the two women in a space that felt private and almost hidden from the world.
Writing the script and shaping the characters, however, did not come easy. Roy admitted that she went through several challenges while understanding the depth of the characters and staying true to their emotions.
“It took time for me to figure them out. I had to be patient and keep rewriting until it felt right,” she said.
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Winning the Best Director award at Venice was a dream come true for her, but Roy sees it as more than a personal achievement.
“This is not just my win. It’s the win of cinema and for all young filmmakers out there,” she said. Her message to emerging storytellers was clear and encouraging: “Don’t give up. Just the decision to make a film is already very brave. Keep going, and keep dreaming.”
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Looking ahead, Roy is keen to continue working on themes that deal with human emotions and personal relationships. She believes these stories have universal resonance and can connect with audiences across the world.
The director also made a mark at Venice with her choice of outfit. She wore a saree designed with wall paintings from her village in Purulia, West Bengal.
“I wanted to carry a piece of my roots with me on that global stage,” she explained. The ensemble, created by a friend, reflected her desire for simplicity and cultural pride on the red carpet.
‘Songs of Forgotten Trees’ was the only Indian title in Venice’s Orizzonti section. The film tells the story of two migrant women in Mumbai, exploring their struggles with loneliness, survival, and the fragile moments of connection that bring hope.
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