Anuparna Roy has made a significant mark on the global cinematic landscape with her debut film, Songs of Forgotten Trees, which garnered her the Best Director award at the Venice Film Festival. Recently, she discussed her film’s journey and its reception in India at the International Film Festival of Kerala, illuminating her aspirations for Indian cinema.
During the festival, alongside actress Sumi Baghel, Roy experienced a packed screening and engaged with enthusiastic audiences. Reflecting on the event, she expressed her appreciation for the interactions and the support received, stating, “It has been amazing in India… I am so grateful.”
Roy noted that attending the festival often makes her nervous, impacting her viewing of other films. However, she took the opportunity to watch works by fellow filmmakers, including Nidhi Saxena and Triveny Rai, highlighting the camaraderie among women directors at the event.
Following its success in Venice, Songs of Forgotten Trees was showcased at multiple international film festivals, including the BFI London Film Festival and the Indian Film Festival of Sydney. The film narrates the intertwined lives of two women navigating the complexities of Mumbai. It explores the journey of Thooya, a migrant aspiring actress who uses her beauty and cunning to survive in the city.
Roy articulated the contrasting reactions to her film domestically and internationally. She remarked, “The difference is huge. Outside India, the reaction is very overwhelming… because sexual identity is not a big deal anymore. Here in India, it is a big deal.” She emphasized the societal challenges faced within India regarding open discussions of relationships, hoping for a future where these topics can be embraced more freely.
The film’s emotional depth stands out, and Roy acknowledges its personal significance. “This is a very personal story for me,” she explained, expressing the nuanced bond between the two protagonists. She intentionally crafted their interactions to reflect the struggles they face in a society that constrains expression.
Roy addressed her creative decisions, revealing that she initially considered including a romantic kiss between the women but ultimately decided against it to avoid reinforcing stereotypes. This choice reflects her growth as a filmmaker, stating, “Filmmaking is all about evolving. I have evolved during the process of making this film.”
She also expressed a desire to avoid clichéd depictions of Mumbai, preferring a more introspective narrative that resonates on a personal level. “Every element in this film is very personal,” she concluded, indicating that the film’s essence stemmed from her unique perspective.
Looking ahead, Roy has ambitious plans, intending to create a prequel and a sequel to Songs of Forgotten Trees. She revealed that the prequel will feature the character Jhuma Nath, indicating the story’s depth and continuity. Additionally, she is developing another film centered on a bar dancer, showcasing her commitment to diverse storytelling in Indian cinema.