Rima Das Wins Best Director Award at New York Indian Film Festival recognition celebrates Northeast Indian cinema
New York / Guwahati, July 23, 2025 — Renowned Assamese filmmaker Rima Das has once again placed Northeast Indian cinema on the global stage, winning the prestigious Best Director Award at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) 2025 for her latest feature, Village Rockstars 2.
The sequel to her critically acclaimed 2017 film Village Rockstars, which was India’s official entry to the Oscars, the second installment continues the heartfelt journey of Dhunu, a young village girl with big dreams, set against the evolving landscape of rural Assam.
Festival juries lauded Das for her “raw, immersive, and emotionally resonant storytelling,” crafted with her signature naturalistic style, handheld cinematography, and use of non-professional actors. The film was produced independently and shot entirely in her home village in Chaygaon, Assam.
“This award is not just for me, but for every child from the Northeast who dares to dream,” said Rima Das in her acceptance speech at the NYIFF closing ceremony.
The win is being celebrated across Assam and the broader Northeast region, with congratulatory messages pouring in from political leaders, fellow filmmakers, and fans. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted, “Rima Das continues to make Assam proud on the world stage. Heartiest congratulations on this well-deserved honour!”
Rima Das’s victory is seen as a major moment for independent Indian cinema and a strong validation of Northeast India’s growing cultural footprint in global film circles.
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