Anuparna Roy Becomes First Indian to Win Best Director at Venice Film Festival, Father Overjoyed

Anuparna Roy's father, who won the Best Director Award at the Venice International Film Festival, is happy with this achievement of his daughter. After winning this award for the film 'Song of Forgotten Trees', now father Brahmanand Roy is ready to welcome his daughter. However, the father says that during her school days, Anuparna had no special attachment and passion towards films. But she was determined to make her own identity.

Talking to PTI about receiving the news of this award, the father said that they were sleeping around 12:30 at night when Anuparna called and gave the news. She was very happy. Initially I could not believe it. I asked her if she came first among all the contestants. Her reply was, 'Yes baba'. Her mother was crying with joy. Anuparna has some work in London and will return to Mumbai as soon as possible. She said that during her Bengal tour, she will meet Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Brahmananda Roy, proud of his daughter's achievement, is looking forward to welcoming the young director to his home in West Bengal's West Bardhaman district. The father said that we did not see much interest and passion for films in her school days, but she was very hardworking in studies. Her ambition for films came to the fore later when she started her career in the IT sector. She was determined to make her mark. Family members were upset with her decision and also predicted that she was making a mistake.

The father further said that when we came to know about her decision for the first time after 2020, we felt it was a gamble. She had no prior experience in filmmaking or the film industry. But her dedication, enthusiasm and passion gradually made us believe in her ability. After graduating in English Honours, Anuparna settled in Delhi and pursued a career in the IT sector. She moved to Mumbai during the COVID period in 2021 and decided to try her hand at filmmaking. She took this risk because she had confidence.

'Songs of Forgotten Trees' showcases the relationship between two women in Mumbai - an expatriate actress and a corporate employee. Anuparna made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Best Director award at the Orizzonti section of the Venice Film Festival. The film is based on complex narratives and powerful themes.