Songs of Forgotten Trees Comes Home: Anuparna Roy’s Venice-Winning Film to Premiere at Dharamshala

Anuparna Roy’s Acclaimed Drama to Close DIFF 2025

Anuparna Roy’s Songs of Forgotten Trees, which earned her the Best Director award in the Orizzonti section at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, is set to make its Indian debut at the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) from October 30 to November 2, 2025. The film will be the festival’s closing feature, marking a poignant homecoming for Roy and her team.

Key highlights from the announcement:

- Historic Venice Win  
  Roy became the first Indian filmmaker to win Best Director in the Orizzonti Competition at Venice, where the film was the only Indian entry in the section.

- Storyline and Themes  
  The film follows Thooya, a migrant and aspiring actress in Mumbai, who navigates morally complex spaces using charm and resilience. When she sublets her sugar daddy’s apartment to Swetha, a corporate migrant, their shared space becomes a site of silent empathy, tension, and unexpected kinship.

- Production and Cast  
  Songs of Forgotten Trees is produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh. It stars Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel in lead roles.

- Festival Significance  
  DIFF is known for showcasing cinema with heart and depth. Roy expressed joy at premiering her film in Dharamshala, calling it a “fitting homecoming” that echoes the spirit of her story.

- Artistic Vision  
  The film blends realism with poetic storytelling, capturing the emotional textures of urban survival and female solidarity. Its nuanced portrayal of intimacy and identity has resonated with global audiences.

- Anurag Kashyap’s Support  
  The film is presented by acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, whose backing has helped elevate its visibility on the international circuit.

Songs of Forgotten Trees is not just a cinematic triumph—it’s a testament to the power of indie storytelling and the global reach of Indian narratives. Its DIFF premiere promises to be a moment of reflection, celebration, and artistic resonance.

Sources: Telegraph India, Firstpost, MSN, DIFF Official Site