Assamese Filmmaker Rima Das Wins Best Director at New York Indian Film Festival for ‘Village Rockstars 2’

Acclaimed Assamese filmmaker Rima Das has recently been honored with the Best Director award at the prestigious New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) for her latest film, Village Rockstars 2. This significant achievement further cements her reputation on the global cinematic stage. Rima Das publicly shared the news via a social media post, expressing her excitement and gratitude while congratulating fellow winners at the festival. She wrote, “Thrilled to receive the Best Director award at the New York Indian Film Festival! Congratulations to all the other wonderful winners,” highlighting her appreciation for the recognition and the event's community.

Village Rockstars 2 is a collaborative effort produced by Flying River Films, Akanga Film Asia, and Bad Rabbit Pictures Co. Ltd. The film features a talented cast including Bhanita Das, Basanti Das, Junumoni Boro, Boloram Das, and Manabendra Das in pivotal roles. The story is set in a rural Assamese village and follows the personal journey of a teenage girl who aspires to pursue her passion for music. The narrative skillfully explores her dreams and struggles as she navigates the challenges posed by her environment and circumstances, painting a vivid portrait of rural life in Assam and the resilience of its youth.

Rima Das is widely recognized for her minimalistic and locally grounded filmmaking approach, which emphasizes authentic storytelling rooted deeply in the cultural and social fabric of Assam. Her unique style often explores complex human relationships, the search for meaning and purpose, coming-of-age experiences, and the intimate connection between humanity and nature. These themes resonate strongly in her films, offering audiences an immersive glimpse into the lives of ordinary people shaped by extraordinary dreams and realities.

Before Village Rockstars 2, Rima Das achieved significant acclaim with her debut feature film Village Rockstars in 2017. This film garnered numerous national and international awards, marking a milestone for Assamese cinema. Notably, Village Rockstars was India’s official submission for the 90th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category, making it the first Assamese film ever to be submitted for an Oscar. The film tells the inspiring story of Dhunu, a young girl from a small village in Assam who dreams of owning a guitar and forming her own rock band despite facing socioeconomic hardships.

Out of 28 other Indian entries, Village Rockstars was selected to represent the country, highlighting its critical acclaim and cultural significance. The film won several prestigious honors at the National Film Awards, including Best Feature Film and Best Editor. Its success not only brought attention to Rima Das’s extraordinary talent but also helped spotlight the rich cultural narratives of Assam on the international film stage.

Rima Das’s work continues to push boundaries, blending raw emotion with cinematic craftsmanship to create stories that are both personal and universally relatable. Her films celebrate the spirit of rural India and the power of dreams amidst adversity, earning her a respected place among contemporary Indian filmmakers. The recognition from NYIFF for Village Rockstars 2 adds to her growing legacy and exemplifies the rising prominence of regional cinema in global forums.

Through her storytelling, Rima Das invites audiences worldwide to witness the lives, hopes, and challenges of Assamese people, contributing significantly to the diversity and richness of Indian and global cinema. Her journey and achievements inspire many aspiring filmmakers, especially those from marginalized or lesser-known regions, demonstrating how authentic, heartfelt stories can transcend boundaries and gain worldwide appreciation.