Sumi Baghel is garnering international attention for her role in "Songs of Forgotten Trees," which premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. The film, directed by Anuparna Roy, explores themes of urban loneliness and intimate relationships through the lives of two women sharing an apartment in Mumbai.

"Songs of Forgotten Trees" delves into the lives of Thooya (Naaz Shaikh), an aspiring actress who supports herself through sex work, and Swetha (Sumi Baghel), a corporate employee seeking connection in the bustling city. Swetha, a recent migrant, rents a room in Thooya's apartment, and initially, they maintain a distance. However, as they navigate their individual struggles and the challenges of urban life, an unspoken bond develops between them, built on small gestures, shared silences, and mutual understanding. The film portrays their journey from cautious strangers to close companions.

The film premiered in the Orizzonti (Horizons) section of the Venice Film Festival, a category that spotlights new and indie films. Anuparna Roy won the Best Director award in this section, making her the first Indian filmmaker to receive this honor. Roy met both Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel during the casting process and had them participate in a workshop where they lived together in the same apartment to better understand the nuances of their characters and the script.

Critics have noted Sumi Baghel's competent performance, particularly in portraying Swetha's disapproval of Thooya's sex work, highlighting the contrast in their values. Baghel, along with the director and other cast members, attended the "Songs of Forgotten Trees" photocall during the festival. The cinematography, characterized by handheld shots and natural light, creates an intimate viewing experience, drawing the audience into the characters' everyday lives.

"Songs of Forgotten Trees" explores multiple themes, including the difficulties of forming successful relationships, the challenges of unfulfilling careers, and the impact of violent relationships. The film has been praised for its sensitive portrayal of women navigating systems that often fail to support them. The film runs for 77 minutes.

The film's selection for the Venice Film Festival came as a surprise to Roy, who considers herself a student of cinema. Roy's assures that her film is not just a story of sisterhood but a romantic relationship story of two women. Roy has stated that the film was inspired by her memories of her grandmother and stepdaughter running their household together after her grandfather’s death.

Roy's win at Venice has brought her international recognition, with opportunities to meet and interact with filmmakers she admires. She also hopes her win will encourage more producers to support her future projects.