Oscar nominated Village Rockstars premiere today

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, Sept 26: India’s official entry to the Oscar Awards 2019, the national award winning Assamese feature film, ‘Village Rockstars’ is all set to premier on September 27 in Guwahati at Cinepolis prior to its commercial theatrical release on Friday. Written, edited, co-produced and directed by Assamese filmmaker Rima Das, the premiere is set to be a gala affair with a host of dignitaries set to attend the event.

The film will come as a shot in the arm for the rejuvenated Assamese film industry. The film premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and also grabbed the Best Feature Film ‘Swarna Kamal’ award at the 65th National Film Awards, which was held in New Delhi on 13 April 2018. Village Rockstars also won awards in three other categories: Best Child Artist, Best Location Sound Recordist and Best Editing. With an authentic look and feel of village life in Assam, the film revolves around the story of a ten-year-old girl ‘Dhunu’ who is the protagonist amidst a group of real village rockstars. In a very artistic manner the film portrays the journey of this little girl who weaves her dreams despite daily struggles and how she learns to manage her life facing hostile natural calamities. ‘Village Rockstars’ is only the second Assamese film to win the Swarna Kamal award.

Rima, who is a self taught filmmaker, is one of those independent filmmakers of Assam who is actually bringing about a change in the industry. The Oscar nomination has not just boosted the spirit of the industry to make more such films on sensible topics but has also brought in a unique style of storytelling. ‘Village Rockstars’ is scheduled for a pan-India release on September 28 and will be released through ‘VKAAO’, a joint venture of PVR Pictures and bookmyshow. It will open in 30 screens in Assam and across metro cities.