Anuparna Roy Palestine Speech at Venice Film Festival Sparks Social Media Debate
Anuparna Roy Palestine Speech at Venice Film Festival Triggers Heated Debate
She delivered a powerful Palestine-focused speech while accepting the Best Director award at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, making history as the first Indian to win in the Orizzonti section. She 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.”
Her remarks ignited a storm on social media. Supporters praised her courage, while critics argued she ignored victims of attacks in Israel. One user wrote:
“Venice gold got your tongues chained? Palestine’s blood drowns under US bombs, yet you’re mute, sipping Western praise!”
Another questioned:
“Did she speak even a single word for victims of Israel on October 7?”
Despite criticism, many lauded Roy for standing up for Palestine. One supporter posted:
“Congratulations Anuparna Roy for winning Best Director at Venice. Thank you for standing tall for Palestinians in your acceptance speech.”
Roy’s award-winning film, Songs of Forgotten Trees, backed by Anurag Kashyap, was the only Indian entry in competition this year. The film explores the bond between two women sharing an apartment in Mumbai.
Docudrama on Gaza War Wins Silver Lion at Venice Film Festival
French-Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania directed The Voice of Hind Rajab, a powerful docudrama that earned the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival. The film portrays the heartbreaking story of Hind Rajab, a six-year-old Palestinian girl who died in Gaza on January 29, 2024, after Israeli fire struck the car she was trapped in.
The screening moved the audience deeply, earning a 23-minute standing ovation and becoming one of the most emotional moments of the festival.
The Gaza war began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people. Israel’s military response has killed over 63,000 Palestinians and pushed Gaza to the brink of famine.