Every child deserves peace, freedom, liberation, Palestine no exception: Anuparna Roy at VFM
Roy became first Indian to win Best Director at Venice’s International Film Festival
New Delhi / Venice: Indian debut filmmaker Anuparna Roy has made history at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, becoming the first Indian to win the Best Director award in the Orizzonti (Horizons) section. She received the honour for her feature film Songs of Forgotten Trees, which stood as the only Indian entry in this prestigious category this year.
Roy received the award at the festival’s closing ceremony, where the jury was headed by French director Julia Ducournau. Dressed in a white saree, she described the moment as “surreal” and extended heartfelt thanks to the jury, cast, crew, producers, and Anurag Kashyap, the film’s presenter.
While accepting the award, Roy addressed the ongoing Gaza conflict, stating: “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”. Her remarks immediately sparked debate and discussion on social media.
Songs of Forgotten Trees weaves the story of two migrant women living in Mumbai—Thooya, an aspirant actress, and Swetha, a corporate professional—who form a connection despite their different paths. The film, backed by Anurag Kashyap, was directed by Roy and features performances by Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel and explores themes of urban loneliness, resilience, and shared humanity.
Multiple Indian and international outlets have hailed the victory as a significant milestone for Indian cinema, placing a spotlight on indie filmmaking in the global arena. Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra also took to social media to laud Roy’s achievement, noting its importance for women filmmakers and Indian storytelling worldwide.
"It is a responsibility to think for a moment and stand beside Palestine. I might upset my country but it doesn't matter anymore," says Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy after winning Best Director award in the Orizzonti section at Venice Film Festival. pic.twitter.com/u3CJLxKQhK
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BLR airport sees 34 int'l flight cancellations amid Middle East crisis
Bengaluru (PTI): As many as 34 international flights were cancelled at Kempegowda International Airport on Wednesday as airline operations were disrupted due to the Middle East conflict, officials said.
An airport official said that 18 arrivals and 16 departures were cancelled due to airspace restrictions on March 4 until 23:59 hrs at the Bengaluru airport.
The cancellations impacted several key international sectors connecting Bengaluru with West Asian cities, including Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Dubai, and Doha.
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Meanwhile, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates the Kempegowda International Airport, said that a help desk has been set up at the kerbside of terminal 2 to manage passenger queries and provide on-ground assistance amid the disruptions.
According to BIAL, the help desk is coordinating ground transport, facilitating emergency services, and handling general queries until airline representatives arrive at the terminal.
Given the presence of multiple international carriers operating from the airport, the help desk is functioning as a single-window support system, guiding passengers to the respective ground handlers responsible for airline operations, officials said.
In addition, the airport is providing several passenger amenities at the kerbside, including chairs, drinking water, snacks, medical assistance, sanitary pads, charging stations, and a makeshift feeding facility.
Wheelchairs are also being provided upon request, they added.
