Winning doesn't just bring recognition, it brings RESPONSIBILITY: Anuparna

Bengal girl wins ‘Best Director’ award at Venice Film Festival

- ANINDITA ACHARYA

When Anuparna Roy first heard her name announced as the ‘Best Director’ in the ‘Orizzonti’ section at the 82nd Venice Film Festival for her film ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees’, she could hardly believe it.

Standing on stage, still shaking, her thoughts raced back to the tough days she and her team went through while shooting the film.

Indie films are making waves at prestigious festivals across the world, but getting them made is still an uphill battle. For Anuparna, the struggle was even more personal.

Growing up in a small village in West Bengal, she hadn’t even heard of ‘world cinema’ until she was in Class XII. And yet, today, the world is celebrating her incredible feat as she’s the first Indian ever to win this honour.

From the West Bengal Chief Minister to filmmakers across India, congratulatory messages have poured in for her pathbreaking achievement.

Anuparna knows this win comes with greater responsibility and she needs to tell stories that matter.

At the same time, the girl from Bengal still dreams of making a film in her mother tongue.

‘Millennium Post’ catches up with Anuparna to talk about her win, her journey and what lies ahead.

When your name was announced as the winner and you realised you had scripted history, what was running through your mind at that very moment?

I was completely taken aback when my name was announced.