Rima Das Seeks Govt Help for Oscars 2019 Campaign

While the world is agog with 'Village Rockstars', the bottom line is, the film's director Rima Das is now in a desperate financial situation, and is seeking help from the government for the promotion of her film for the Best Foreign Language film at the Oscars. Although the government has finally released a total amount of Rs one crore, the director is still short of the requisite Rs three crore, which is the minimum amount needed to campaign at the Oscars and to ensure that it makes it to the final nomination.

"There was a need of at least Rs 3 crore to campaign at the Oscars and to ensure that it makes it to the final nomination for the award," Das told reporters in a press meet.

Although a number of people and organisations have approached her to help her financially, she would love to receive financial support from the central government.

But sadly though, she hasn't being approached either by the central government or the Film Federation of India for the promotion of her film in the run towards the Oscars.

"I was also surprised to see how people whom I don't even know have promoted the film in the social media. We didn't have any budget for such promotion but people have shown extraordinary love on Facebook and Twitter since the very beginning. I'm thankful to all of them," she added.

The film has inculcated deep-seated feelings of joy and pride among viewers in the State. On September 22, when the Film Federation of India (FFI) named 'Village Rockstars' as the country's official entry to the Oscars, many from the film fraternity offered their help and support. "I am overwhelmed by the response and for me, this is equivalent to receiving the Oscar," she added.

Set in Das' village Chayagaon, the film, starring Bhanita Das in the lead role, had its world premiere at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and has toured more than 70 prestigious international and national film festivals, capturing the imagination of audiences all over the world. The coming-of-age film had also scored wins in Best Child Artist, Best Location Sound Recordist and Best Editing categories at the 65th National Film Awards.

So far, only three Indian films have been nominated in the best foreign film category at the Oscars - 'Mother India' (1957), 'Salaam Bombay' (1988) and 'Lagaan' (2001).

Meanwhile, 'Village Rockstars' has bagged the Best Indian Feature Film award at the recently held 9th Jagran Film Festival in Mumbai, adding yet another feather to its cap.