The parents of filmmaker Anuparna Roy have come to her defence after social media criticism erupted over her comments on Palestine during her acceptance speech at the Venice Film Festival.
They said they are “deeply disturbed and worried” by the unfair targeting of their daughter.
Anuparna Roy made history as the first Indian to win the Best Director award in the Orizzonti section at the 82nd Venice Film Festival for her film Song of Forgotten Trees.
In her emotional speech, she said, “Every child deserves peace, freedom, liberation and Palestine is no exception. I don’t want any claps for this, it’s a responsibility. Think for a moment and stand beside Palestine. I might upset my country but it doesn’t matter to me anymore.”
Her comments, intended to highlight children’s rights, have sparked backlash on social media, with some accusing her of supporting a particular community. Her parents said this criticism is unjust.
Her father, Bramhananda Roy, expressed that they are deeply disturbed and concerned about the backlash their daughter is facing after making the country proud. He explained that she is being targeted on social media for her comments on the plight of children in Palestine, with some accusing her of supporting a particular community. He added that they have spoken to her about the situation, and although she is in Mumbai and very busy, she is also unhappy about the controversy.
He added that his daughter’s remarks had been misinterpreted, explaining that if one listened to her speech carefully, she stated, “Every child has the right to peace, freedom, and liberation, and Palestine is no exception.” He emphasized that she had not referred to any specific community but had spoken about children everywhere, and that she had said nothing wrong.
Her mother, Manisha Roy, also voiced her distress, questioning why her daughter was being targeted. She asked whether it was wrong to speak about the welfare of children, adding that her daughter had merely expressed her opinion and that everyone has the right to do so. She described her daughter as a young and upright individual who had made both the family and the country proud, and expressed her dismay at how some people were treating her.
Anuparna, who hails from Purulia district, grew up in Narayanpur village and completed her schooling from local institutions before pursuing higher studies in Delhi and Mumbai.
Her father added that she had worked tirelessly to pursue her passion, sharing a room with other girls and investing all her earnings into her art. He expressed that she now needs support to build on her achievements, but instead of encouragement, she is facing criticism. He described the situation as sad and said that, as parents, they feel worried and disturbed.
Anuparna’s body of work includes the short film Run to the River and the acclaimed feature Song of Forgotten Trees, which tells the story of two women from different backgrounds who bond while sharing an apartment in Mumbai.