Overview

• Roy became the first Indian to win Best Director in Venice’s Orizzonti section for Songs of Forgotten Trees at the festival’s 82nd edition.
• In her acceptance speech she said, “Every child deserves peace, freedom, liberation and Palestinians are no exception,” and the clip drew both praise and criticism online.
• Her father, Brahmananda Roy, said she “did not say anything wrong” and condemned online targeting, while her mother, Manisha Roy, stressed that she spoke for every child.
• The film received a seven-minute standing ovation in Venice and was presented by Anurag Kashyap.
• The feature follows two women in Mumbai, played by Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel, as the film continues its festival run with a competition slot at BFI London.