Koch Bihar, July 23, 2025 — Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy’s debut feature, Songs of Forgotten Trees, is set to have its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, marking a significant milestone for Indian independent cinema. The film has been selected as India’s sole entry in the prestigious Orizzonti (Horizons) section, which showcases innovative and emerging voices in global filmmaking.
Presented by acclaimed director Anurag Kashyap, the film stars Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel in a poignant narrative centered on two migrant women navigating life in Mumbai. The story follows Thooya, an aspiring actress who survives the city’s harsh realities through transactional relationships, and Swetha, a corporate worker new to the city. When Thooya sublets her benefactor’s upscale apartment to Swetha, the two women—seemingly from disparate worlds—form a quiet, evolving bond. Their shared space becomes a backdrop for a tender exploration of survival, identity, and unexpected kinship.
Roy, who self-financed the film while juggling three corporate jobs, drew inspiration from the life of her childhood friend Jhuma Nath, whose early marriage under a failed government scheme left a lasting impact. “Despite having one of the largest film industries in the world, we rarely tell stories of the marginalized—those excluded by class, caste, and gender,” Roy stated. “This film carries the memories of those lives I’ve witnessed and lived through”.
Produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh, with co-production by Navin Shetty and Roy herself, Songs of Forgotten Trees has been praised for its lyrical storytelling and emotional depth. Kashyap, known for championing unconventional narratives, expressed pride in supporting Roy’s debut. “Anuparna is a unique voice who challenges norms with bold ideas. We’re proud to back her first feature,” he said.
The Venice Film Festival will run from August 27 to September 6, 2025, at the Venice Lido in Italy. Roy’s selection in the Orizzonti section places her alongside previous Indian entries such as Chaitanya Tamhane’s Court and Karan Tejpal’s Stolen, underscoring the growing global recognition of Indian indie cinema.
