Dharamshala Prepares for Indian Premiere of Anuparna Roy's 'Songs of Forgotten Trees' After Venice Triumph

Following its acclaimed world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, Anuparna Roy's debut feature film, Songs of Forgotten Trees, is set to have its Indian premiere at the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF). The 14th edition of DIFF will be held from October 30 to November 2, 2025, at the Tibetan Children's Village, Upper Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj).

Songs of Forgotten Trees made history at Venice, with Roy becoming the first Indian filmmaker to win the Best Director award in the Orizzonti (Horizons) section. The film was the only Indian selection in the Orizzonti Competition at the festival, a section that showcases new trends in cinema, with a focus on debut works, young talents, indie features, and lesser-known cinema.

The film, presented by Anurag Kashyap, is a production of Flip Films, River Tale Films, Romil Casting & Nube Studio. It stars Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel in leading roles, along with Bhushan Shimpi, Ravi Maan, Pritam Pilania, and Lovely Singh in supporting roles.

Songs of Forgotten Trees tells the story of two migrant women in Mumbai navigating the city's challenges. Thooya, an aspiring actress, supports herself through part-time work, while Swetha, a corporate professional new to the city, sublets Thooya's apartment. As they share the space, a quiet and unexpected empathy grows between them as they navigate their individual struggles. The film explores themes of womanhood, survival, and the complexities of human connection in the margins of urban life.

Roy, born in a remote village in West Bengal, began her journey in cinema as an assistant director on several short films. Her directorial debut short film, Run to the River, was selected at numerous national and international film festivals. Before films, Roy worked in the IT sector. In 2022, she quit her job and moved to Mumbai to pursue her dream of becoming a filmmaker. She wrote and shot Songs of Forgotten Trees inside her small flat in Azad Nagar.

DIFF, founded by filmmakers Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam in 2012, aims to promote contemporary cinema, art, and independent media practices in the Indian Himalayan region. The festival is known for its bold programming and its cutting-edge films. The 14th edition of DIFF promises an eclectic selection of international features, documentaries, and shorts, complemented by panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and masterclasses with filmmakers. The festival will also have an online program with selected films accessible for a longer period.

DIFF operates in the belief that the celebration of good cinema does not require competition or the intrusion of market forces. The festival also runs a community outreach program to bring a diverse audience to attend the festival and fosters discussion and critical thinking among the local community.