Anuprna Roy's Venice win, speech ignite debate: Here's why
At the 82nd Venice Film Festival (2024), Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy made headlines as the first Indian to win Best Director in the Orizzonti section for her debut film, Songs of Forgotten Trees.
During her acceptance speech, she said, "Every child deserves peace, freedom and liberation, and Palestine is no exception," adding, "I might upset my country but it doesn't matter to me anymore."
Her words quickly sparked debate online—some called it political, others saw it as a bold humanitarian stand.
More on Roy and her film
Hailing from Purulia, West Bengal, Roy's film explores the friendship between two women from different backgrounds in Mumbai.
Backed by Anurag Kashyap, its win is being celebrated as a big moment for Indian indie cinema and women filmmakers worldwide.
Roy's focus on authentic stories and marginalized voices is striking a chord far beyond just film circles.