Acclaimed Assamese filmmaker Rima Das has once again made India proud on the global stage. She has been honoured with the Best Director award at the 25th New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) for her upcoming film Village Rockstars 2. This is a big moment not just for her, but for the entire Assamese film industry and Indian cinema.
Rima Das shared her happiness through a heartfelt post on social media. She thanked the festival team and congratulated other winners. She wrote, “Thrilled to receive the Best Director award at the New York Indian Film Festival! Congratulations to all the other wonderful winners.” Her words reflected her humble spirit and passion for storytelling.
Village Rockstars 2 is the much-awaited sequel to her award-winning film Village Rockstars, which had earlier been India’s official entry to the Oscars in 2017. The first film won several national and international awards and told the inspiring story of Dhunu, a young girl from a rural village in Assam who dreams of forming a rock band.
In Village Rockstars 2, Rima takes us back to rural Assam, telling the story of a teenage girl trying to follow her dreams in music while facing the tough realities of life. The cast includes Bhanita Das, Basanti Das, Junumoni Boro, Boloram Das, and Manabendra Das. Produced by Flying River Films, Akanga Film Asia, and Bad Rabbit Pictures Co. Ltd, the film is expected to release by the end of August 2025.
Speaking after receiving the award, Rima Das said this recognition is not just about the trophy but about connecting with people through her stories. “This journey is about living, understanding communities, and expressing life’s emotions. If my stories bring even a small change, that is the real success,” she said.
Rima’s style of filmmaking is simple, rooted, and very real. She does not use grand sets or flashy techniques. Instead, she uses raw human emotions and natural locations to tell stories that touch hearts. Her earlier film Bulbul Can Sing was also loved at the Toronto International Film Festival and many others.
She also shared her hopes for Assamese cinema, saying that more people are now paying attention to films from the Northeast. She mentioned other Assamese films like Rudra and Bhaimon Da, showing that the industry is slowly growing. According to her, when the industry grows, it gives more opportunities to local talent and tells more stories from this part of the country.
Rima revealed that it took nearly four years of hard work to complete Village Rockstars 2, and she is excited for the audience to watch it. She hopes the film will reach beyond Assam and connect with viewers across India and the world. She’s also working on two new films, continuing her journey as one of India’s strongest voices in independent cinema.
With this latest achievement, Rima Das has proven once again that even a small village story can have a big impact across the world. Her work is a shining example of how powerful Indian regional cinema can be when told with honesty, heart, and courage.
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