Story perspectives

Anuparna Roy: First Indian Woman Wins Venice Award

9/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Anuparna Roy became the first Indian director to win the Orizzonti Award for her film Songs of Forgotten Trees in Venice.
Her achievement is particularly inspiring for women from her tribal village in West Bengal.
Roy transitioned from an IT career in Delhi to pursue her passion for cinema.
She self-funded her debut short film, Run to the River, over six years.
In Mumbai, she secured funding from producer Ranjan Singh, with additional support from director Anurag Kashyap.

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Story summary

Anuparna Roy became the first Indian director to win the Orizzonti Award for her film Songs of Forgotten Trees in Venice.
Her achievement is particularly inspiring for women from her tribal village in West Bengal.
Roy transitioned from an IT career in Delhi to pursue her passion for cinema.
She self-funded her debut short film, Run to the River, over six years.
In Mumbai, she secured funding from producer Ranjan Singh, with additional support from director Anurag Kashyap.