Acclaimed Assamese filmmaker Rima Das has achieved another milestone in her career by winning the New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT) Award for Direction. The award recognizes her work on “Village Rockstars 2”, a sequel to her National Award-winning film. This accolade highlights her unique style of realism and “lived-experience” storytelling, which has brought the local narratives of Northeast India to the global stage.

Key Highlights of the Achievement

• Prestigious Recognition: The New York Women in Film and Television is a premier non-profit organization dedicated to elevating the voices of women in digital media and entertainment.
• Village Rockstars 2: Released in 2025, the film continues the journey of its predecessor, focusing on the dreams and struggles of rural youth in Assam.
• Global Impact: Rima Das was among 11 international filmmakers selected this year. Her peers included notable directors like Sonali Bose and Cherien Dabis, placing Indian independent cinema in elite company.
• Cinematic Style: Das is known for being a “one-woman army”—often acting as director, writer, cinematographer, and editor.Her films typically feature non-professional actors from her own village, Chhaygaon.

Exam hook: prelims question

Q. With reference to the Indian film industry and recent cultural achievements, consider the following statements:

1. Rima Das is the first filmmaker from Assam to have a film selected as India’s official entry for the Academy Awards.
2. The New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT) is an inter-governmental body under UNESCO that promotes gender equality in media.
3. ‘Village Rockstars’ is notable for its use of non-professional actors and naturalistic storytelling.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) (Statement 2 is incorrect because NYWIFT is a non-profit organization based in the United States, not a UNESCO inter-governmental body.  Statements 1 and 3 are correct.)

Through her lens, Rima Das proves that the more local a story is, the more universal its appeal becomes.

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