Anuparna Roy Reflects on Venice Triumph and Independent Filmmaking Journey
Fresh from her breakthrough recognition at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival for her film Songs of Forgotten Trees, filmmaker Anuparna Roy recently visited Kolkata. This marked her first return to the city following her international achievement. The Purulia-born director, who is rapidly emerging as a distinctive new voice in Indian independent cinema, opened up about the inherent struggles of indie filmmaking, her next project already in production, and her unwavering belief that the most compelling narratives must originate from life itself.
Rooted in Purulia: The Source of Visual Imagination
Interestingly, despite being back in Bengal after her significant Venice moment, Roy revealed she has not yet managed to visit her hometown of Purulia. She emphasized that this landscape continues to profoundly shape her visual imagination and artistic perspective. "My roots are in Purulia, so my visual imagination comes directly from there," Roy stated. "I've also spent considerable time in the Sundarbans. If I were to set another film in Bengal, it would likely be centered around Sundarbans or Purulia—because I fundamentally do not believe in imagining something I haven't personally experienced."
Embracing the Craft Over the Spotlight
When questioned about the growing attention surrounding her following the Venice win, Roy responded with characteristic humility. "I'm really camera shy… I'm just a filmmaker from Purulia," she laughed. "Of course, I'm genuinely camera shy. But as a director and writer, I don't have to directly engage with the camera. I believe I'm in a safe zone." She further clarified that even after this international recognition, she does not perceive herself as a public figure. "I don't think I'm a public figure. I'm simply a filmmaker from Purulia striving to create films—new generation films," she affirmed.
Next Project: A New-Age Emotional Drama
Roy confirmed that production on her highly anticipated second film has already commenced. "I have already started shooting my next film," she revealed. "Soon, I will disclose all the details. It's an incredibly exciting project featuring new-age actors—a new-age drama that is deeply emotional and profoundly rooted." Her approach to storytelling remains steadfastly centered on authentic human experiences. "The very personal stories I'm drawn to are intensely life-oriented and driven by human emotion. I'm not exploring anything beyond human stories," she added.
Philosophy: Authenticity Over Spectacle
Roy articulated her artistic philosophy, emphasizing that spectacle has never been her focus. "My second film, once again, is very emotional and human-emotion centric. I don't believe in creating something that is larger than life. I wouldn't be able to authentically portray such a narrative. It must be something about life itself," she explained. For her, the scale of a film is not defined by its budget but by its narrative substance. "For me, the definition of 'bigger' is always the story. It cannot merely be a ₹60-crore or ₹100-crore film. If it lacks a compelling story, it means nothing. My only competition is myself because I am acutely aware of my flaws and where I need to improve," Roy stated.
Structural Challenges in Indian Independent Cinema
Despite her international recognition, Roy highlighted the significant structural challenges that independent filmmakers face in India. "The tougher challenge is not just making the film. The tougher challenge is securing a release for the film—obtaining a theater, finding a space to showcase it," she pointed out. Financing remains another formidable obstacle. "Nobody trusts your vision unless you've already made it to festivals like Cannes, Venice, or Berlin. You must achieve something first to garner that attention," she lamented.
Looking Ahead: A Deliberate Path Forward
Reflecting on how the Venice experience and Songs of Forgotten Trees have impacted her career, Roy noted, "Venice and Songs of Forgotten Trees have definitely changed many things for me. I am now being approached by numerous producers, both from Bengal and Mumbai. However, at this moment, I am focused on learning—understanding more about the craft, the industry, and filmmaking itself. I am not in a hurry. I am still a young filmmaker, and I feel there is a long journey ahead."
Anuparna Roy's journey underscores the resilience required in independent cinema, her dedication to authentic storytelling rooted in personal experience, and her thoughtful navigation of newfound acclaim while staying true to her artistic vision from Purulia.
