Guwahati: Acclaimed Assamese filmmaker Rima Das has won the Best Director award at the prestigious New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) for her latest film ‘Village Rockstars 2’.
This recognition further solidifies her position in the global cinematic landscape.
Das made the announcement public through a post on social media, where she expressed her appreciation and extended congratulations to other winners at the event. “Thrilled to receive the Best Director award at the New York Indian Film Festival! Congratulations to all the other wonderful winners,” she wrote.
Village Rockstars 2, a collaborative production by Flying River Films, Akanga Film Asia, and Bad Rabbit Pictures Co. Ltd, features Bhanita Das, Basanti Das, Junumoni Boro, Boloram Das, and Manabendra Das in key roles.
Set against the backdrop of a rural Assamese village, the film follows a teenage girl’s personal journey as she navigates her aspirations in music while contending with the realities of her environment.
Known for her minimalistic and locally rooted filmmaking style, Rima Das has previously won two National Film Awards.
Her cinematic works frequently delve into intricate relationships, the quest for purpose, coming-of-age themes, and the profound connection between human life and nature.
Her 2017 film Village Rockstars won several national and international awards and became India’s official entry for the 90th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category. The film traces the story of Dhunu, a girl from a village in Assam who dreams of owning a guitar and forming a rock band.
Chosen out of 28 other entries in India, it was also the first Assamese film to be submitted for Oscars. The film won India’s National Award for Best Film and Best Editor.
Her 2018 film, Bulbul Can Sing, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
