“We secretly filmed in Mumbai”: ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees’ director Anuparna Roy recalls untold anecdotes
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Anuparna Roy, the talented director behind Songs of Forgotten Trees, is still buzzing from her big win at the 82nd Venice Film Festival. She just bagged the prestigious Orizzonti Award for Best Director, and she’s sharing some fun behind-the-scenes stories from making the film.
Picture this: the entire shoot happened secretly in a cozy Mumbai apartment. "We cooked meals together, slept under the same roof, and kept all our cameras and gear tucked away inside," Anuparna recalls with a smile. The team stayed indoors for most of it, but on the final day, they stepped out for that emotional closing scene. "It was unforgettable—we were all in tears," she says.
The movie dives deep into the bond between two women living in the bustling city of Mumbai. Anuparna always saw women’s friendships as purely platonic, but this time, she flipped the script to explore their romantic side. Set mostly in that one apartment, Songs of Forgotten Trees unpacks the twists and turns of their relationship, from hidden feelings to finally embracing them. It’s the only Indian film in the Venice Film Festival’s Orizzonti section, following two migrant women as they tackle loneliness, daily struggles, and those rare sparks of connection.
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Anuparna opened up about the tough parts, like really getting into her characters’ heads and shaping the script just right. But her hard work paid off big time.
When she accepted the Best Director award, Anuparna dedicated it to young filmmakers everywhere. "This is a win for cinema itself," she said. Her advice? "Don’t ever quit. The idea of making a film can feel scary and bold, but keep pushing forward, keep dreaming huge."
Looking ahead, Anuparna wants to keep telling stories about personal relationships and raw human emotions. She’s got more ideas brewing, and fans of Indian cinema are already excited.
Even her red carpet moment at Venice had a personal touch. Anuparna rocked a saree inspired by the vibrant wall paintings from her village in Purulia, West Bengal. "I wanted to carry my roots to the world stage," she explains. A friend designed it specially, keeping things simple yet striking for the big event.
With Songs of Forgotten Trees turning heads globally, Anuparna Roy is proving that heartfelt stories from Mumbai can shine on the international scene.
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