Anuparna Roy's Lovers in the Blue Night wins NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film at Venice Film Festival

Lovers in the Blue Night Wins NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film

Lovers in the Blue Night, a solo Indian feature film directed The film had its world premiere in the Orizzonti slate. This marked Roy's second consecutive year at the festival after 2025's Songs of Forgotten Trees, which earned her the Best Director award. This recognition is a proof to the film's sensitive portrayal of marginalised lives in Mumbai, as described

The jury praised Roy's "confident voice" and the film's "cohesively nuanced" exploration of displacement, urban survival, hidden desire, gender, poverty, and class. The film is set in Mumbai and explores the intersecting lives of migrant workers, a theme that resonates with many viewers.

Anuparna Roy expressed her gratitude for the recognition. Officials stated that winning the NETPAC Award means a lot to her because the film comes from a very personal place.

Read More: Rohit Chandel Shares Post on Dharma After Bail in POCSO Case

Roy's emotional investment in the project is evident in her words: "I wanted to approach them [the characters] with tenderness, dignity and honesty. To receive this recognition at Venice, a year after my debut was awarded here, is deeply moving." The award is also significant for producer Vikas Kumar, who praised Roy's remarkable emotional and cinematic confidence.

The film has found a space with the audience and jury. And its win is a proof to the power of storytelling in bringing attention to often-overlooked lives.

A Personal Story of Gratitude and Recognition

Lovers in the Blue Night premiered at the Venice Film Festival this year. This marked director Anuparna Roy's second consecutive year at the festival after 2025's Songs of Forgotten Trees. The film had its world premiere in the Orizzonti slate, showing Roy's growth as a filmmaker. This recognition is a milestone for Roy, who expressed her gratitude for the NETPAC Award.

Roy's words convey her emotional connection to the project: "A lifetime of gratitude. My Team . A moment I’ll carry with me for a very long time." The film's success is a proof to Roy's dedication to telling stories that need to be told.

Her commitment to exploring the lives of marginalised individuals has resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Also Read: Kollywood Stars Steal Show at Le Mans Cup, Inviting Hollywood Comparison

Awards and Accolades

Lovers in the Blue Night competed with 14 other titles. This includes La Ragazza con la Leica, The Burning Giants, What Belongs to Others, Falling House, The Difficult Bride, and Until the Day Ends. The NETPAC jury recognised the film for its sensitive portrayal of marginalised lives in Mumbai, praising Roy's "confident voice" and the film's exploration of displacement, urban survival, hidden desire, gender, poverty, and class.

Vikas Kumar, producer, Khan and Kumar Media, praised Roy's remarkable emotional and cinematic confidence. The award is deeply meaningful because it recognises not just a film. However, the sensitivity, courage, and conviction that goes into creating it.

Lovers in the Blue Night has found a space with the audience and jury. And its win is a proof to the power of storytelling in bringing attention to often-overlooked lives.