Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Anuparna Roy Wins NETPAC Award at Venice Film Festival
Anuparna Roy is a filmmaker who made a movie called Lovers in the Blue Night.
The movie won the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film at the Venice Film Festival.
It was shown in a competition section called Orizzonti.
The story is about four migrants in Mumbai whose lives become connected.
They face loneliness, love, desire and the struggle to survive.
The jury liked the movie’s gentle and respectful look at people whose lives are often ignored.
The film also received a reported seven-minute standing ovation.
Roy said the award was very meaningful because the story came from a personal place.
This was her second major recognition at Venice after winning Best Director there in 2025.
Anuparna Roy won the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film for Lovers in the Blue Night.
The film competed in the Orizzonti section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.
The jury praised its sensitive portrayal of marginalized migrant lives in Mumbai.
The film follows four migrants whose lives intersect through loneliness, desire and survival.
Roy’s film reportedly received a seven-minute standing ovation at its 11 September 2026 premiere.
- Who
- Filmmaker Anuparna Roy and her film Lovers in the Blue Night received recognition at the Venice Film Festival.
- What
- The film won the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film and reportedly received a seven-minute standing ovation.
- When
- The film premiered on 11 September 2026 at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.
- Where
- The award was given at the Venice International Film Festival; the film is set in Mumbai and competed in the Orizzonti section.
- Why
- The NETPAC jury cited the film’s sensitive portrayal of marginalized lives and migrant workers, as well as its exploration of displacement, survival, desire, gender, poverty and class.
- Award
- NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film
- Film
- Lovers in the Blue Night
- Director
- Anuparna Roy
- Festival section
- Orizzonti (Horizons)
- Premiere
- 11 September 2026
- Competition
- The film competed against 14 other Orizzonti titles
- Previous recognition
- Roy won the Orizzonti Award for Best Director at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in 2025
- Next screening
- The film is scheduled for its Asian premiere at the Busan International Film Festival in October
Sources
Anuparna Roy’s ‘Lovers in the Blue Night’ wins NETPAC award at Venice Film festival
Anuparna Roy on Lovers in the Blue Night winning the NETPAC Award: A moment I’ll carry with me
Anuparna Roy Wins NETPAC Award At Venice Film Festival For Lovers In The Blue Night
