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Anuparna Roy Makes History as First Indian Orizzonti Winner

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 win represents a significant achievement for women from her background, evident in her emotional acceptance speech.
Roy, from a tribal village in West Bengal, transitioned from an IT career to pursue her passion for cinema.
She self-funded her debut short film, Run to the River, over six years.
Her bold approach to producer Ranjan Singh garnered 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 win represents a significant achievement for women from her background, evident in her emotional acceptance speech.
Roy, from a tribal village in West Bengal, transitioned from an IT career to pursue her passion for cinema.
She self-funded her debut short film, Run to the River, over six years.
Her bold approach to producer Ranjan Singh garnered support from director Anurag Kashyap.