Rima Das: A proud daughter of Assam and beacon of cultural cinema

Heramba Nath

(herambanath2222@gmail.com)

In the rich and diverse cultural landscape of Assam, where ancient traditions meet contemporary aspirations, Rima Das stands as a remarkable figure whose achievements in the world of cinema have not only brought global attention to Assamese culture but also redefined independent filmmaking in India. With no formal training in filmmaking, Rima Das has emerged as a self-taught visionary whose works resonate with authenticity, simplicity, and a profound connection to the soil of Assam.

Born in the serene town of Chaygaon, near Guwahati, Rima Das’ story is a narrative of determination, creativity, and cultural pride. She began her journey with a deep love for storytelling, inspired by the landscapes, traditions, and people of her homeland. Unlike conventional filmmakers, she has worked with everyday people, focusing not on commercial star appeal but on the honesty and soul of the stories she chooses to tell. Her work stands apart because she never compromises on the essence of Assamese life, tradition, and thought. In every frame, one can feel the pulse of Assam — its greenery, its festivals, its struggles, and its unwavering spirit.

Her debut feature film, Village Rockstars (2017), is a shining example of this unique vision. Shot entirely in her own village with non-professional actors, the film tells the story of a spirited young girl named Dhunu, who dreams of owning a guitar. Beyond its simple plot, the film paints a beautiful picture of rural Assamese life, the innocence of childhood, and the resilience of marginalised communities. Its universal appeal and cultural specificity earned it the National Award for Best Feature Film, as well as the honour of being India’s official entry to the Oscars — a proud moment for Assam.

Bulbul Can Sing (2018), another one of Rima’s critically acclaimed works, explores the sensitive journey of three teenagers in a conservative rural society as they navigate friendship, love, and identity. Through this film, she addresses significant social issues while staying rooted in the traditions and mores of Assamese village life. It received widespread acclaim at international film festivals and further cemented Rima Das’ reputation as a filmmaker with both a unique voice and a deep sense of responsibility toward her cultural heritage.

What sets Rima Das apart is not just her storytelling ability but also her unwavering commitment to preserving Assamese identity through cinema. She takes immense care in depicting authentic Assamese customs, language, attire, music, and landscapes. Her films become living documents of the region’s lifestyle, reflecting the behaviour of its people and the pulse of its culture. They do not imitate the gloss of mainstream cinema but rather embrace the raw and unvarnished reality of Assam.

Moreover, Rima Das has consistently been involved in cultural activities and initiatives that promote Assam’s artistic heritage. Her films have found a place in the academic curriculum, such as Village Rockstars being included in Assam’s Class VII English textbook, thus inspiring young minds to value indigenous stories and homegrown talent. She has also been a part of various cultural festivals and has represented Assam at international platforms like the Berlin International Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, where she advocated for gender equality and cultural representation in cinema.

In recent years, Rima has continued to enrich Assamese and Indian cinema with projects like Tora’s Husband (2022), a poignant reflection on personal and communal challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film stays true to her distinct style — minimalistic, deeply human, and rooted in Assamese sensibility. Her latest creation, a sequel to Village Rockstars, premiered at the Busan International Film Festival in 2024 and received the prestigious Kim Jiseok Award. This new chapter follows Dhunu’s life after seven years, capturing the quiet transformations in rural Assam while retaining the emotional warmth and cultural texture of its predecessor.

Despite her growing fame, Rima Das remains firmly attached to her roots. She has chosen to work with ordinary people, often casting villagers and local talents instead of celebrities. Her film subjects are not dictated by market trends but by the relevance of the themes to Assamese society. Through this approach, she has upheld the dignity of Assamese culture in international arenas. She has also become a symbol of resilience and authenticity.

Her contributions have made a profound impact, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers in Assam and the Northeast to embrace independent cinema and tell stories that reflect their own identities. Her success has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve international acclaim while staying true to one’s cultural roots and personal convictions.

As lovers of her cinema and as proud members of the Assamese community, we eagerly await many more masterpieces from Rima Das in the coming years. Her films are not merely entertainment; they are cultural dialogues, cinematic poems, and visual documents that preserve the spirit of Assam for future generations. With her unique artistic vision and unwavering dedication to Assamese art and culture, Rima Das will continue to bring global recognition to our land and create many more works that resonate with audiences both at home and abroad.

In every sense, Rima Das is a proud daughter of Assam — a beacon of cultural pride, an ambassador of Assamese storytelling, and a symbol of what independent artistic spirit can achieve. Through her outstanding career in filmmaking and her contributions to cultural programmes, she has ensured that the world hears the stories of Assam, feels its emotions, and understands its unique way of life. She stands as a lasting inspiration for aspiring artists and filmmakers who believe in the power of honest, homegrown narratives.

As her filmmaking admirers and proud Assamese people, we sincerely hope to witness many more brilliant creations from her in the future, carrying forward the soul of Assam through the timeless medium of cinema.