New Delhi: Acclaimed filmmaker Rima Das is set to return to the prestigious Berlinale International Film Festival with her latest project, Village Rockstars 2.
The sequel to her multiple award-winning film Village Rockstars will have its European premiere at the 75th edition of the festival, scheduled to run from February 13 to 25, 2025.
Village Rockstars 2 will be featured in the Generation 14 Plus Competition category, a special section dedicated to films for children and youth.
In a statement, Das expressed her excitement about returning to Berlin, sharing her enthusiasm for the festival.
“It’s a beautiful festival with amazing audiences, and I love the winter mist,” she said.
“After the overwhelming response from esteemed film festivals in Asia, we are excited to engage with new audiences. It feels like completing a full circle.”
Das also reflected on the feedback for Village Rockstars 2, which she described as her most emotional work to date.
“So far, I’m really happy with the feedback on the film. Many people have told me they find Village Rockstars 2 my most emotional work yet. We’re heading to Berlin with hope and excitement, eager to explore new possibilities,” she added.
The film follows the journey of a teenage girl who relentlessly pursues her musical dreams despite facing life’s harsh realities.
Set in a quaint village, the film explores the emotional and transformative journey of the protagonist, who reconnects with the deeper bond between music and life.
The official logline reads: “In a charming village, a teenage girl passionately pursues her musical dream. However, life’s harsh realities challenge her innocence. As she faces these trials, she embarks on a journey to rediscover the profound connection between music and life, seeking a new harmony in the symphony of her dreams.”
Produced by Flying River Films and Akanga Film Asia, Village Rockstars 2 features a talented cast, including Bhanita Das, Basanti Das, Junumoni Boro, Boloram Das, and Manabendra Das.
The film had its world premiere at the 29th Busan International Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Kim Jiseok Award for Best Film.
It was also screened at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, where it competed in the South Asia Competition.
Das’ return to Berlinale comes as a significant milestone in her filmmaking journey, following her previous success at the festival with Bulbul Can Sing, which won a Special Mention in the Generation 14 Plus category in 2019.
She also served as a jury member at the Berlinale 2020 in the same section.
