Anurag Kashyap to Present Anuparna Roy’s Debut 'Songs of Forgotten Trees' at Venice Film Festival
Mumbai, July 23 (The Trending People): Celebrated Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has joined as the presenter for Anuparna Roy’s feature directorial debut, Songs of Forgotten Trees, which is set to make its world premiere at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, under the Horizons strand — one of the festival's most prestigious categories spotlighting cutting-edge international cinema.
The film marks India’s sole entry in this section for the year, joining the ranks of celebrated predecessors like Chaitanya Tamhane’s Court and Karan Tejpal’s Stolen.
Kashyap: “I Believe in Backing Raw, Brave Talent”
In a statement, Anurag Kashyap said,
“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, along with long-time collaborator and producer Ranjan Singh, has previously supported independent cinema through projects like Little Thomas and Tiger’s Pond — both of which received international recognition.
He added,
“Anuparna is definitely one such voice and we feel proud and happy to back her first feature.”
About the Film: A Tale of Two Women Navigating Mumbai
Songs of Forgotten Trees stars Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel. The story follows Thooya, a migrant and aspiring actress in Mumbai, who navigates the city's brutal social landscape by using her beauty, wit, and at times, intimacy for opportunity.
She sublets her sugar daddy’s upscale apartment to Swetha, a fellow migrant who works a stable corporate job. As the two women — from seemingly opposite worlds — begin living together, they forge an unexpected connection, sharing struggles, dreams, and survival tactics in a city that often ignores them.
A Story Rooted in Real-life Injustice
Director Anuparna Roy said the film is deeply personal, inspired by her search for a childhood friend, Jhuma Nath, who was forced into child marriage — an experience Roy attributes to “a man-made social order and a failed government scheme.”
“Despite having one of the largest film industries in the world by volume, we rarely tell stories of the marginalized – of those excluded by class, caste, and gender. I want to change that,” she said.
Roy continued,
“This film carries her memories. I want to speak of the miseries I’ve witnessed and lived through, not just as an Indian but as a global citizen. I believe that telling these stories might give voice to the unheard, offer solace to some, and perhaps even inspire others.”
Producer Ranjan Singh on Roy’s Unique Voice
Producer Ranjan Singh of Flip Films said he was immediately drawn to Roy’s perspective after seeing her short film Run to the River and hearing a one-line pitch that stuck with him.
“That stayed with me for the longest time. I am happy that her debut film is premiering at Venice, and I am confident that it’ll definitely make a mark on the audience worldwide and in India as well.”
Kashyap’s Own Film Heads to Toronto
Meanwhile, Anurag Kashyap’s own latest directorial venture, Bandar (Monkey in a Cage), starring Bobby Deol and Sanya Malhotra, is also making headlines as it prepares for its world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Final Thoughts – The Trending People
Songs of Forgotten Trees is not just a film — it’s a mirror to the unseen and unheard lives within urban India. With Anurag Kashyap and Ranjan Singh’s backing, and Anuparna Roy’s bold storytelling, the film’s presence at Venice signals the rising wave of Indian cinema ready to challenge stereotypes and speak truth to power. The world is listening.