Filmmaker Anuparna Roy received the Orizzonti Award for Best Director at the 82nd Venice Film Festival for her first feature film, ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees.’ The award was presented by Anurag Kashyap. Roy expressed that she wished the film to deeply impact women worldwide. The award was also dedicated to every woman whose story has been overlooked. Producer Bibhanshu Rai spoke about the challenges, tough days, and moments of doubt during the making of the film, and how they persisted. Producer Romil Modi believes that supporting female filmmakers and their narratives is a responsibility and he highlighted the strength and honesty in their stories. Ranjan Singh of Flip Films added that the film’s production was facilitated by Roy’s original pitch for a human drama. The film, which was the sole Indian entry in the Orizzonti section, was well-received. The film stars Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel. The film is produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh. The synopsis highlights the story of Thooya and Swetha. Thooya is a migrant actress who uses her beauty and wit to survive, while Swetha is a corporate employee. Their lives are intertwined as they find a silent empathy in the city’s relentless pulse.
