Wed Sep 10 11:40:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy’s historic win at the Venice Film Festival for “Song of Forgotten Trees” has been overshadowed by social media backlash following her expression of support for Palestinian children during her acceptance speech. Her parents have expressed deep concern regarding the criticism directed at their daughter, emphasizing that her words were misinterpreted and that she simply advocated for the welfare of all children. Despite her success and the film’s critical acclaim, Roy now faces a barrage of online attacks.
**News Article:**
**Indian Director’s Venice Win Marred by Palestine Support Backlash**
**Mumbai, India** – Anuparna Roy, the first Indian filmmaker to win Best Director in the Orizzonti section at the Venice Film Festival, is facing a wave of social media criticism after expressing support for Palestinian children during her acceptance speech. Roy won the award for her film, “Song of Forgotten Trees.”
“Every child deserves peace, freedom, liberation, and Palestine is no exception,” Roy stated in her speech. While her film has been widely celebrated, her remarks have sparked controversy online, with some accusing her of taking sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Roy’s parents, speaking from their home in West Bengal, have expressed deep concern about the online attacks directed at their daughter. “We are deeply disturbed by what is happening after our daughter has made the country proud,” said Brahmananda Roy, Anuparna’s father. “She spoke of every child in the world. She did not say anything wrong.”
Manisha Roy, Anuparna’s mother, echoed her husband’s sentiments. “Why are they all targeting her? Is it wrong to speak about the welfare of children? She just expressed her opinion.”
Roy’s film, “Song of Forgotten Trees,” tells the story of two women from different backgrounds who develop a strong connection while sharing an apartment in Mumbai. The film has received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of human connection.
While the controversy continues to unfold, Roy’s supporters hope that the focus will soon return to her groundbreaking achievement and the important stories she is telling through her films.
First Piper 