In a cinematic twist worthy of its own screenplay, Anuparna Roy, a former IT sales executive from West Bengal, has become the first Indian woman to win the prestigious Best Director award in the Orizzonti section of the Venice International Film Festival for her debut film Songs of Forgotten Trees.
Primary Life: A Village Girl with a Silent Dream
Born in 1994 in Narayanpur, a small tribal village in Purulia district, West Bengal, Anuparna grew up far from the glitz of cinema. Her early life was steeped in simplicity—local schools, conservative expectations, and a family that hoped she’d land a government job. She studied at Ranipur Colliery High School and Naopara High School before earning a degree in English literature from Kulti College and later a Master’s in Mass Communication in Delhi. Her love for storytelling simmered quietly beneath the surface, unnoticed even by her family. “We never saw this coming,” her father Brahmananda Roy admitted. “She was studious, but never showed signs of wanting to make films”.
The IT Job She Left Behind
Before stepping into the world of cinema, Anuparna held a high-paying job in IT sales in Mumbai. But the cubicles couldn’t contain her creative fire. In 2022, she made the bold decision to quit her job and pursue filmmaking full-time—a move that shocked her family and community. Her mother, Manisha Roy, confessed she once scolded Anuparna for abandoning a stable career. “I thought she was being reckless,” she said. “But now, I see her courage was her greatest asset”.
The Film That Changed Everything
Her debut feature, Songs of Forgotten Trees, explores the emotional bond between a migrant actor and a corporate worker in Mumbai. Backed by Anurag Kashyap as executive producer, the film resonated deeply with international audiences and critics alike. With this win, Anuparna Roy not only shattered glass ceilings but also rewrote the script for what’s possible—especially for women from rural India.
A Moment of National Pride
As she stood on the Venice stage, trophy in hand, Anuparna became a symbol of transformation. From tribal Bengal to global cinema, her journey is a rallying cry for dreamers everywhere.