Debutant filmmaker Anuparna Roy has grabbed international attention with her film Songs of Forgotten Trees and a bold statement at the 82nd Venice Film Festival. She became the first Indian filmmaker to win the Orizzonti Award for Best Director. The film follows two migrant women in Mumbai as they navigate loneliness, survival, and fleeting connections. It was India’s only entry in the Orizzonti section and has already earned critical acclaim.
During her acceptance speech, Roy spoke about the plight of Palestinians. She said, “Every child deserves peace, freedom, liberation and Palestinians are no exception… It’s a responsibility at the moment to stand by Palestine…. I might upset my country, but it doesn’t matter to me anymore.” Her remarks quickly sparked controversy in India, with some accusing her of being unpatriotic.
She is #AnuparnaRoy – A #Bengali #Indian who won the best director award at Venice Film Festival (Orizsonti Section)
— Tamal Saha (@Tamal0401) September 8, 2025
How many leaders of this country have congratulated her? Did our #PMModi wish her – can’t find on ‘X’
Ms Roy from the global stage said she “might upset” her… pic.twitter.com/34UZnpU6sA
Anuparna Roy Explains Her Palestine Comments
Speaking to ANI, Anuparna Roy clarified that her statement was about standing against global injustice. She explained, “I meant whatever I said at the festival. It was said with the intention of pointing out the injustice around the world. If I support Palestine, if I am standing against injustice, it doesn’t make me less Indian.”
She also highlighted that she had mentioned Palestine in the past during an award event in Russia, showing that her concern for human rights is consistent.
Roy added, “I request everyone to celebrate the achievement and not ‘politicise’ it in such a manner. I don’t represent anything.”
She also revealed that filmmaker Anurag Kashyap had advised her to avoid Palestine-related remarks. She said, “People are claiming that I made the comments under the influence of Anurag Kashyap, but I was strictly advised by my producers, my mentor, and Anurag Kashyap himself that I don’t need to talk about it. I went beyond their advice and said it all. Now I understand why they asked me to avoid it. People are even calling me a traitor. But I am not angry at all. I made one film and I will make another one.”
When Will Songs Of Forgotten Trees Release In India
While the controversy has drawn attention, Songs of Forgotten Trees continues to be celebrated for its storytelling and direction. Roy has stated she will continue speaking against injustice, whether in Kashmir, Murshidabad, or Gujarat.
The film’s Indian release date is yet to be announced, but its world premiere on September 1, 2025, at Venice has already made a mark.
