When Anuparna Roy accepted the Orizzonti Award for her debut film Songs of Forgotten Trees in Venice earlier this month, she achieved a rare victory for women of her background.
Trembling with joy and unable to hold back tears, Roy's emotional display highlighted the significance of the moment as she became the first Indian director to win in a category dedicated to new voices in independent cinema.
Originating from a humble tribal village in West Bengal's Purulia district, far from the glamor of Venice, Roy's victory serves as a significant milestone. Unlike celebrated directors from Bengal such as Ritwik Ghatak, she followed a more conventional path, with a college education leading to a call center job.
However, her encounter with film students ignited a passion for cinema, leading her to self-fund her debut short film Run to the River. After relocating to Mumbai, she boldly pitched her idea for Songs of Forgotten Trees to producer Ranjan Singh, who was soon convinced to support the project.
Her film, which portrays the lives of two women from completely different backgrounds in Mumbai, has received acclaim for its poignant storytelling and authentic style. It explores themes of same-sex desire and marginalization as the two protagonists navigate their unique struggles.
Roy's cinematic journey also holds personal significance, drawing inspiration from the lives of women close to her heart. Deeply political, her films reflect her childhood experiences amid India's economic disparities.
On the prestigious night in Venice, Roy showcased her cultural roots by wearing a saree featuring the colors of the Palestinian flag, despite facing backlash on social media. She remains committed to using her voice for difficult conversations. With plans for sequels to her debut film, Roy stands firm in her belief that she will not conform to conventional cinema.
She emphasized, I can't make sugar-coated cinema. I have to make films that represent the world we live in, even if they upset people.
