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Anuparna Roy Reports Threats After Venice Speech, Stands by Support for Palestinian Children

Her Venice win for Songs of Forgotten Trees has lifted a low-budget Indian debut onto the global festival stage.

Overview

  • Roy became the first Indian to win the Orizzonti Best Director award at the 82nd Venice Film Festival for her debut feature.
  • In her acceptance speech she said, “Every child deserves peace, freedom, liberation and Palestine is no exception,” framing it as a responsibility to speak up.
  • The speech clip spread widely online, drawing both praise and criticism in India, and her parents publicly defended her remarks.
  • She told Mid-day she is receiving threats alongside supportive messages and reiterated that speaking out does not make her less Indian.
  • Songs of Forgotten Trees, presented by Anurag Kashyap and starring Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel, continues on the festival circuit with a planned BFI London Film Festival slot.