Acclaimed filmmaker Rima Das has won the International Feature Film Competition for Women Directors for her film Village Rockstars 2 at the 42nd Internationales Frauen Film Fest Dortmund+Köln (IFFF) in Germany. Internationales Frauen Film Fest Dortmund+Köln is Germany’s largest forum for women in the film industry and presents outstanding films by women spanning all genres and styles.

The film is a sequel to Award-winning indie feature Village Rockstars that made waves Internationally and in India following its premiere at Toronto International Film Festival in 2017, won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 2018 and was India’s Official Entry to the Academy Awards 2019.

The international jury—comprising African-American directing icon Julie Dash, German director Yasemin Şamdereli, and Hei-rim Hwang, director of the Seoul International Women’s Film Festival—praised the film, stating:

“This award goes to a filmmaker who has impressed us with her extraordinary talent for visual storytelling. This award recognizes a woman who has independently developed her artistic voice and practice without formal film school training. Over seven years, she has mastered the Herculean task of capturing the lived realities of her protagonists with incredible tenderness, precision, and courage. In this process, she shows us the brutality and unpredictability of nature as well as the struggle that small landowners must wage against large corporations. As director, producer, screenwriter, and cinematographer, she portrays part of her heritage and the deep bond she shares with the Assam region and its people.”

 Rima Das dedicated the award to women storytellers worldwide, saying:

“This recognition is not just for me, but for every woman who dares to tell her story with honesty and resilience. Cinema has the power to reflect our truths, our struggles, and our dreams. Through Village Rockstars 2, I wanted to celebrate the spirit of my homeland and the unwavering courage of those who fight for their dreams against all odds. I am deeply grateful to the jury and the festival for this honour.”

The film had its World Premiere at the Busan International Film Festival 2024 where it won the much-coveted Kim Jiseok Award for ‘Best Film’, India Premiere at MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024 in the South Asia Competition and European Premiere at Berlinale International Film Festival 2025.

Village Rockstars 2 is produced by Flying River Films, in association with Akanga Film Asia and Bad Rabbit Pictures Co. Ltd stars Bhanita Das, Basanti Das, Junumoni Boro, BoloramDas, Manabendra Das.

Synopsis

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.

 About Rima Das

Rima Das, a two-time National award – winning filmmaker, is known for making indigenous and realistic stories that explore complicated relationships, finding purpose, coming of age and life amidst nature. She became an Academy Awards member in 2024. She is also one of the Brand Ambassadors of Toronto International Film Festival’s ‘Share Her Journey’ campaign that champions the cause of gender equality in cinema. GQ India named Rima Das as one of the Most Influential Young Indians of 2018. Her films Village Rockstars, 2017, Bulbul Can Sing, 2018 and Tora’s Husband, 2022 premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The films were collectively screened at over 150 prestigious film festivals around the world winning over 75 Awards. She has donned multiple hats of writer, director, producer, cinematographer, editor for her projects.

 Cast and Crew

Cast: Bhanita Das, Basanti Das, Junumoni Boro, Boloram Das, Manabendra Das

Writer: Rima Das

Cinematographer: Rima Das

Editor: Rima Das

Sound Designer: Shreyank Nanjappa

Music Director: Pallab Talukdar

Colorist: Mark Song

Production Designer: Rima Das

Producer/s: Rima Das

Production Company/ies: Flying River Films, Akanga Film Asia, Bad Rabbit Pictures Co. Ltd.

Co-Producer:  Fran Borgia, Jaya Das, Yao Chen, Cao Yu

Executive Producer: Jianshang Xu

Additional Editor:  Khushboo Raj

Costume Designer: Pallavi Talukdar, Mallika Das

World Sales: Diversion