Rima Das Wins Best Director Award at New York Indian Film Festival

Acclaimed Assamese filmmaker Rima Das has once again brought international recognition to Assamese cinema by winning the Best Director award at the 25th New York Indian Film Festival for her upcoming film Village Rockstar 2. The film, a sequel to her National Award-winning Village Rockstars, has already generated excitement ahead of its release later this year.

Rima Das, known for her distinctive storytelling and deeply rooted narratives, has previously garnered global acclaim for films like Village Rockstars and Bulbul Can Sing, both of which were widely appreciated at international film festivals. With Village Rockstars 2, she continues her journey of exploring life, community and the environment.

Speaking after receiving the award, Rima Das said, “This has been a journey for me, this experience of life, of living in this world, in this community, and connecting with people and the environment. Of course, receiving an award always brings joy, but if people like what I’m creating and if my creation brings change in the world, then that is the true pleasure.”

Reflecting on the power of cinema, Rima Das added, “Movies help people experience new things; they have a kind of visual power to influence. Movies, poems, books, or even songs are like documentaries, ways people can express themselves. Films are a powerful medium.”

Expressing hope for the growth of Assamese cinema, she also highlighted movies like Rudra and Bhaimon Da as promising steps. “If people embrace Assamese movies like this, the industry grows, and not just the industry, but the people grow along with it,” she said.

She confirmed that Village Rockstars 2 will be released by the end of August, marking nearly four years of dedicated work. She further hopes that the film reaches a wider audience, which will be the actual achievement for her team. Das is also currently working on two new film projects.

With her continued success and vision, Rima Das remains a trailblazer for independent Indian cinema and a proud voice for Assam on the global stage.

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