Delhi, India – Anurag Kashyap, a well-known Indian filmmaker, has come on board as a presenter for “Songs of Forgotten Trees,” Anuparna Roy’s first feature film. This significant endorsement comes as the film prepares for its world premiere at the prestigious 82nd Venice International Film Festival, making it the only Indian title to achieve this distinction at the esteemed gala. The event will take place in Venice Lido, Italy, from August 27 to September 6, 2025.
“Songs of Forgotten Trees,” a poignant human drama, has been selected for the Orizzonti section of the Venice Film Festival. This worldwide competition is noted for showing off new trends in film, especially first-time works, up-and-coming filmmakers, independent movies, and lesser-known cinematic voices. There have been critically acclaimed films in this segment before, such as “Court” by Chaitanya Tamhane and “Stolen” by Karan Tejpal.
A tale of the lives of migrants and unexpected family ties
Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh made “Songs of Forgotten Trees,” which stars Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel. The movie looks at the changing and complicated connection between two migrant women in Mumbai.
The official synopsis says that the story is about Thooya, an aspiring actress who is new to the city and uses her looks and intelligence to get by. She occasionally even trades closeness for opportunity. When Thooya sublets her “sugar daddy’s” fancy flat to Swetha, another migrant who works for a corporation, their lives become intertwined. The two women seem to come from different worlds, yet they start to share more than simply a place to live. Amidst the relentless pace of Mumbai, they discover a silent empathy. But when their personal histories, wants, and previous scars come back to life, their fragile bond is put to the test. The film promises not a rupture, but rather “a strange and tender unfolding—of selfhood, of survival, of unexpected kinship.”
Anuparna Roy’s Vision: Giving Voice to the Marginalized
Debutante director Anuparna Roy revealed that she initially self-funded “Songs of Forgotten Trees” while juggling three corporate jobs in Mumbai. Her storytelling is deeply motivated by a desire to shed light on lives that mainstream narratives often overlook.
“Despite having one of the largest film industries in the world by volume, we rarely tell stories of the marginalised—of those excluded by class, caste, and gender. I want to change that,” Roy stated. She expressed her commitment to speaking of the “miseries I’ve witnessed and lived through, not just as an Indian but as a global citizen.” Roy believes that sharing these stories can “give voice to the unheard, offer solace to some, and perhaps even inspire others.”
The director shared a deeply personal motivation behind the film, revealing that her “search for this story began with the search for my childhood friend, Jhuma Nath, whose child marriage was carried out under a man-made social order and a failed government scheme. This film carries her memories.”
Kashyap’s Commitment to New Talent
Anurag Kashyap, known for his unconventional and gritty cinema, expressed his long-standing commitment to nurturing emerging talent. “I have always believed in backing new talent, especially those who want to say something different, challenge the set norms by their ideas and beliefs,” Kashyap said in a statement. He added that his association with producer Ranjan Singh on multiple such films over the years has allowed them to witness “raw talent continuously coming up.” “Anuparna is definitely one such voice and we feel proud and happy to back her first feature,” the celebrated filmmaker concluded.
“Songs of Forgotten Trees” is co-produced by Navin Shetty and Anuparna Roy, marking a significant milestone for Indian independent cinema on the global stage.