The 82nd Venice Film Festival 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious cinematic showcases, concluded with a landmark moment for Indian cinema. Filmmaker Anuparna Roy created history by winning the Best Director Award in the Orizzonti (Horizons) section for her debut feature Songs of Forgotten Trees. This achievement not only elevates India’s presence on the global stage but also highlights the growing recognition of diverse storytelling in world cinema.
Anuparna Roy’s Historic Achievement
Anuparna Roy became the first Indian director to win Best Director in the Orizzonti section. Her film Songs of Forgotten Trees, starring Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel, explores the intertwined lives of two women in Mumbai and has been praised for its emotional depth, powerful storytelling, and nuanced direction.
In her acceptance speech, Roy dedicated the award to women across the globe:
“This film is a tribute to every woman who’s ever been silenced, overlooked, or underestimated. May this win inspire more voices, more stories, and more power for women in cinema and beyond.”
The award was presented by acclaimed Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, further underscoring its significance for Indian filmmakers breaking into international recognition.
Golden Lion Surprises the Audience
While Roy’s win made headlines, the coveted Golden Lion for Best Film went to American indie filmmaker Jim Jarmusch for Father Mother Sister Brother. The film’s victory surprised many, especially since The Voice of Hind Rajab, a powerful narrative on the Gaza crisis, had been the frontrunner after receiving a 22-minute standing ovation.
Other major highlights included Benny Safdie winning Silver Lion Best Director for The Smashing Machine and Xin Zhilei taking home the Volpi Cup for Best Actress in The Sun Rises on Us All.
Complete Winners List – Main Competition
- Golden Lion for Best Film: Father Mother Sister Brother – Jim Jarmusch (USA)
- Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize: The Voice of Hind Rajab – Kaouther Ben Hania (Tunisia)
- Silver Lion Best Director: Benny Safdie – The Smashing Machine (USA)
- Best Actress (Volpi Cup): Xin Zhilei – The Sun Rises on Us All (China)
- Best Actor (Volpi Cup): Toni Servillo – La Grazia (Italy)
- Best Screenplay: Valerie Donzelli – A pied d’œuvre (At Work) (France)
- Special Jury Prize: Gianfranco Rosi – Sotto le Nuvole (Below the Clouds) (Italy)
- Marcello Mastroianni Award: Luna Wedler – Silent Friend (Switzerland)
Orizzonti (Horizons) Section Winners
- Best Film: En El Camino – David Pablos (Mexico)
- Best Director: Anuparna Roy – Songs of Forgotten Trees (India)
- Special Jury Prize: Lost Land – Akio Fujimoto (Japan)
- Best Actor: Giacomo Covi – A Year of School (Italy)
- Best Actress: Benedetta Porcaroli – The Kidnapping of Arabella (Italy)
- Best Screenplay: Ana Cristina Barragan – Hiedra (Ecuador)
- Best Short Film: Without Kelly – Lovisa Siren (Sweden)
Why Anuparna Roy’s Win Matters
The Venice Film Festival 2025 victory is more than just a personal achievement for Roy—it symbolizes a changing tide in international cinema. Independent Indian filmmakers are increasingly breaking through on global platforms, showing that Indian storytelling is not limited to Bollywood but is rich, layered, and globally relevant.
Roy’s film also amplifies the voices of women in cinema, both behind and in front of the camera. Her win may pave the way for more inclusivity, more recognition for female directors, and more platforms for Indian indie films worldwide.
The Venice Film Festival 2025 concluded as a celebration of both emerging and established talent. Anuparna Roy’s historic victory for Songs of Forgotten Trees stands as a powerful moment in global cinema history. Her achievement is not just a milestone for India but a beacon for storytellers everywhere—proof that authentic voices can resonate across borders.
Anuparna Roy’s journey reminds us that cinema has the power to challenge, inspire, and transform—and her win at Venice marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Indian filmmakers on the world stage.
