Biografia
Rima Das (born May 13, 1981) is Indian filmmaker from the North Eastern state of Assam. Her films Village Rockstars and Bulbul Can Sing premiered at Toronto International Film Festival, and were screened at over 120 prestigious film festivals around the world winning over 70 Awards including the National Film Awards in India, Village Rockstars was also India's Official Entry to the Academy Awards 2019. She has donned multiple hats of writer, director, producer, cinematographer, editor for her projects.
Be it an elderly man who discovers a new world (Man with the Binoculars), the little girl from an impoverished background who dream of having a guitar (Village Rockstars) or three teenagers exploring their identities and sexuality in the face of patriarchy (Bulbul Can Sing) or a family man struggling to keep his business and personal life together amidst the Covid-19 pandemic - Rima Das is known for making indigenous and realistic stories that explore complicated relationships, finding purpose, coming of age and life amidst nature.
"As a little girl, I would stroll through the village on my way back from school, playing in the rivers, climbing trees, plucking fruits from bushes, and return home with my dress soiled and buttons broken. The fear of the scolding at home didn't stop the curiosity of that innocent mind. Growing up in a small town, I always thought films were to be watched, not made. Becoming a film-maker was never remotely on my radar", Rima Das says.
While struggling in Mumbai for several years to become an actor, she discovered world cinema and fell in love with it. She believed she could also make her own films, even with her limited means. On returning to her home town in Assam, she realized what she was missing living in a city. Unfazed by the fears and struggles, she picked her DSLR and make Village Rockstars single-handedly, which went on to establish Rima Das' credentials as an avante-garde filmmaker.
GQ India named Rima Das as one of the Most Influential Young Indians of 2018. She is also one of the Brand Ambassadors of Toronto International Film Festivals 'Share Her Journey' campaign that champions the cause of gender equality in cinema. She has been on the jury of Berlin International Film Festival Generation 14plus, Mumbai International Film Festival, Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and Zlin Film Festival for Children & Youth.
