After winning Kim Jiseok Award at the Busan International Film Festival, Rima Das’ Village Rockstars 2, a sequel to the internationally acclaimed feature Village Rockstar, will make its European Premiere at the prestigious Berlinale International Film Festival 2025

~Rima returns to the festival with Village Rockstar 2 after Bulbul Can Sing which won Special Mention at Berlinale 2019 in Generation 14 Plus~

Teaser https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXid0Qg5ViI&feature=youtu.be

Mumbai, 17 December 2024: Village Rockstars 2 written-directed-produced by Rima Das to make its European Premiere at Berlinale International Film Festival 2025 in Generation 14 Plus Competition category. The festival will be held from 13-23 Feb, 2025 in Berlin.

This is Rima’s second feature to be selected at Berlinale after Bulbul Can Sing won Special Mention at Berlinale 2019 in Generation 14 Plus. Rima Das also had the honour of being the Jury Member at Berlinale 2020 in the same category.

The film had its World Premiere at the 29th Busan International Film Festival where it won the much coveted Kim Jiseok Award for ‘Best Film’ and India Premiere at MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024 in the South Asia Competition.

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 film produced by Flying River Films, Akanga Film Asia stars Bhanita Das, Basanti Das, Junumoni Boro, Boloram Das, Manabendra Das.

Thrilled about Berlinale selection the writer-director-producer Rima Das says, “Returning to Berlin is always a wonderful experience. It’s a beautiful festival with amazing audiences, and I love the winter mist. After seeing the response from prestigious film festivals in Asia, we’re excited to connect with different audiences. It feels like completing a full circle.”

“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 lots of hope and excitement to explore new possibilities.” Rima adds.

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

Director of Photography: 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

Co-Producer: Fran Borgia, Jaya Das

Additional Editor: Khushboo Agarwal

Costume Designer: Pallavi Talukdar, Mallika Das

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