Celluloid Dreams Acquires 'Songs of Forgotten Trees' for Global Sales

New Delhi, Aug 28 (PTI): Acclaimed French company Celluloid Dreams has secured worldwide sales rights for "Songs of Forgotten Trees," the debut feature from filmmaker Anuparna Roy, marking one of the Indian titles set for a world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

Presented by filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, this significant film will debut in the esteemed Orizzonti Competition section of the festival, a showcase for films that reflect new cinematic trends, with emphasis on debut works, young talents, indie features, and lesser-known cinema, slated for September 1.

"Songs of Forgotten Trees" explores the complex evolving relationship between two migrant women in Mumbai, featuring Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel in the lead roles.

Celluloid Dreams, led by CEO Saliha Guemraoui, is celebrated for its dedication to bold, auteur-driven cinema, representing works from illustrious filmmakers like Jafar Panahi and Hirokazu Kore-eda.

"Celluloid Dreams is thrilled to support such an ambitious and captivating project as Songs of Forgotten Trees," said Guemraoui in a statement, emphasizing its alignment with their editorial focus and marking the start of a promising new partnership.

Roy expressed confidence, stating, “I am pleased that Celluloid has partnered with our film, and I have full faith in them to take it to the world, in the best possible way.”

According to the film’s official synopsis, “Songs of Forgotten Trees” tells the story of Thooya, a migrant and aspiring actress, who navigates Mumbai's challenges by leveraging her beauty and wit, sometimes trading intimacy for opportunity.

As Thooya sublets her sugar daddy’s upscale apartment to Swetha, a fellow migrant with a corporate job, the two seemingly disparate women begin sharing more than just a living space. Amidst Mumbai's ceaseless energy, they find unspoken empathy.

Yet, as their personal histories, desires, and emotional scars surface, their fragile bond is tested. What unfolds is not a rupture but a poignant and tender discovery of selfhood, survival, and unexpected kinship.

The film is produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh, and features a talented cast including Bhushan Shimpi, Ravi Maan, Pritam Pilania, and Lovely Singh.

It features cinematography by Debjit Samanta, editing by Ashish Patel, and music by Nishant Ramteke.

(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)