Filmmaker Anuparna Roy's Palestine Speech At Venice Film Festival Sparks Debate

Last Updated:September 08, 2025, 17:26 IST

Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy's speech on Palestine has been lauded as well as criticised by many on X. The critics opine that she should have also spoken on the attacks in Israel.

Anuparna Roy bagged the Best Director award in the Orizzonti (Horizons) section,

Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy, who created history at the 82nd Venice Film Festival by becoming the first Indian to win the Best Director award in the Orizzonti (Horizons) section, referenced the Gaza conflict in her speech triggering a debate on social media.

While collecting her award, Roy, who hails from Narayanpur village in Purulia, said: “Every child deserves peace, freedom and liberation, and Palestine is no exception. It is a responsibility to think for a moment and stand beside Palestine. I might upset my country but it doesn’t matter to me anymore."

Roy’s film “Songs of Forgotten Trees," backed by Anurag Kashyap, was the only Indian tile in competition this year.  The film depicts the story of two women who share an apartment in Mumbai and develop a deep connection despite their different backgrounds.

The comment has triggered a debate on social media as some users condemned the filmmaker for criticizing India with regard to Palestine.

One of the users, Raman Malik, tagged Roy and Kashyap in a post on X and said: “Venice gold got your tongues chained? Palestine’s blood drowns under US bombs, yet you’re mute, sipping Western praise! America’s fake tears for “rights" while bullying India is a grotesque circus. Scream, you spineless artistes, or choke on their lies!"

Another user, @sekar_991, said: “Did she speak even a single word for victims of Israel occurred on 7 October due severe brutalism?"

However, the Purulia-born filmmaker was lauded by many others for speaking on Palestine.

One of the users, Pranab Ghosh, said: “Congratulations Anuparna Roy for winning the Best Director award (Orizzonti sec.) in the 82nd #Venice #film Fest for her maiden venture Songs of Forgotten Trees. Thanks once again to Ms Roy for standing tall for the Palestinians in her acceptance speech."

Docudrama on Gaza War

A docudrama about the killing of a young Palestinian girl in Gaza has been honoured with the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival. The film, titled “The Voice of Hind Rajab", is directed by French-Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania.

The film tells the tragic story of Hind Rajab, a six-year-old girl who lost her life in Gaza on January 29, 2024, after being trapped inside a car targeted by Israeli fire. The screening was one of the most powerful moments of the festival as it received a 23-minute standing ovation.

The Gaza war began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, and killed 1,200 people. Israel’s military response has killed over 63,000 Palestinians and pushed the enclave to the brink of famine.

News world Filmmaker Anuparna Roy's Palestine Speech At Venice Film Festival Sparks Debate

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