82nd Venice Film Festival 2025 | Anuparna Roy Wins Best Director

After 11 days of cinematic celebrations, culminating on Saturday with one of the world’s greatest cinema events, the prestigious Venice Film Festival officially closed its 82nd edition. For Indian cinema, a significant milestone was reached due to the historic wins by Anuparna Roy. She became the first Indian director to win Best Director in the Orizzonti section for her debut film entitled Songs of Forgotten Trees. It was a significant breakthrough moment for Indian cinema on the global stage, elevating the visibility of contemporary Indian filmmakers.

Venice Film Festival 2025: Highlights and Big Wins.

The 2025 Venice Film Festival this year celebrated a multitude of voices in cinema from around the world. The significant Golden Lion for Best Film award, was awarded to Jim Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Brother – an American indie – which triumphed over the previously anticipated contender The Voice of Hind Rajab film which received a 22 minute standing ovation, but ultimately was skipped over and lost in the jaws of the Golden Lion award.

In the Orizzonti section, Songs of Forgotten Trees was the only entry from India and stars Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel. Produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh, the film looks at the lives of two women in Mumbai and how they are intertwined. It was well-received by critics in its debut, with many praising Roy for the engaging story and confident direction.

Anuparna Roy’s Historic Win

Upon receiving the award, Anuparna Roy dedicated the award to women around the world, saying,

“This film is homage to all of the women who have been silenced, ignored or underestimated. May this award inspire more voices, more stories, and more power for women in film and beyond.

The award was given to Roy by filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, highlighting Indian talent is increasingly receiving recognition in international forums. Roy’s award wins as a historic moment both for the Venice Film Festival Anuparna Roy history archive and gender representation cinema.

Venice Film Festival Winners List Truth to Main Section

• Golden Lion (Best Film): Father Mother Sister Brother – Jim Jarmusch (USA)

• Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize: The Voice of Hind Rajab – Kaouther Ben Hania (Tunisia)

• Silver Lion (Best Director): Benny Safdie – The Smashing Machine (USA)

• Volpi Cup (Best Actress): Xin Zhilei – The Sun Rises on Us All (China)

• Volpi Cup (Best Actor): Toni Servillo – La Grazia (Italy)

• Best Screenplay: A pied d’œuvre (At Work) – Valerie Donzelli (France)

• Special Jury Prize: Sotto le Nuvole (Below the Clouds) – Gianfranco Rosi (Italy)

• Marcello Mastroianni Award (Best Young Actor/Actress) – Luna Wedler – Silent Friend (Switzerland)

Venice Film Festival Full Winners List Truth – Orizzonti Section

• Best Film: En El Camino – David Pablos (Mexico)

• Best Director – Anuparna Roy – Songs of Forgotten Trees (India)

• Special Jury Prize: Lost Land – Akio Fujimoto (Japan)

• Best Actor: Giacomo Covi – A Year of School (Italy)

• Best Actress: Benedetta Porcaroli – The Kidnapping of Arabella (Italy)

• Best Screenplay: Ana Cristina Barragan – Hiedra (Ecuador)

• Best Short Film: Without Kelly – Lovisa Siren (Sweden)

A Milestone for Indian Cinema

The 82nd Venice Film Festival was a showcase of diverse voices and bold storytelling. With her historic accomplishment, Anuaryna Roy has not only uplifted Indian cinema but has encouraged a generation of aspiring filmmakers to aim for recognition at the world’s biggest film festivals.