Rima Das on ‘Village Rockstars 2’ and the State of Independent Cinema

Rima Das has once again brought the sights and sounds of rural Assam to cinema screens with her sequel, Village Rockstars 2. Following the critical acclaim of her 2017 film, which served as India’s official submission for the Oscars, this new installment has recently had a limited theatrical release after premiering at the 29th Busan International Film Festival in October 2024. The journey to this release was not without challenges, particularly the accidental death of renowned singer Zubeen Garg last September, which deeply affected the community and the film’s promotional efforts. “He is a heartthrob and his death changed everything. Everyone was grieving in Assam. It affected us greatly,” Rima reflected.

Background on Release Strategy

After showcasing Village Rockstars 2 at various festivals, Rima ultimately decided to release the film in Assam on March 6 of this year. This decision followed her attendance at the world premiere of her latest film, Not a Hero, at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival. Feeling energized from her recent experiences, she was eager to share Village Rockstars 2 with audiences in her home state. However, upon reflection, she expressed regret over limiting the release to Assam alone. “I did it because I was really tired,” she confessed. “I also love to visit theatres, meet people and celebrate the film with them. But I just don’t have the energy now to do it all over again. From next time, I will release it pan-India.”

Lessons Learned from Film Release

This release experience has been educational for Rima, who noted the importance of understanding the intricacies of film marketing. “Earlier, I used to just go with the flow and not think too much about marketing. But I learned that it is important to work on that while releasing a film,” she explained. She emphasized that external factors, including the prolonged monsoon season in Assam, significantly influence release timing. Rima stated, “To find the correct time to release an independent film is crucial, as is having a good team and marketing budget. If you don’t have anything viral or controversial, then it becomes difficult to get the theatrical slot.”

Capturing Life in Assam

Rima Das’s filmmaking style stands in stark contrast to the spectacle-driven approach often seen in mainstream cinema. She captures the subtleties of everyday life in rural Assam, focusing on intimate moments. For instance, Village Rockstars 2 features poignant scenes, such as the protagonist, Dhunu (played by Bhanita Das), tenderly touching her head to that of a goat at sunset. “It is important in life to see, feel, and pause; to have the patience to listen and understand. We should be listening to what nature needs from us when it is continuously giving us unconditionally,” Rima articulated.

The director, who wears multiple hats as the director, cinematographer, and editor, has made significant choices regarding the narrative pacing in her films. While the original Village Rockstars contained lengthy scenes of character engagement with nature, the sequel features a more tightly edited pace. Rima discussed an early 160-minute cut of the first film, which some viewers preferred, illustrating her dedication to maintaining the integrity of her vision while also acknowledging the preferences of her audience. “It often happens that a scene that took four or five days to shoot needs to be removed in editing. It’s a hard choice, but you can’t help it,” she remarked.

Portrayal of Children in Cinema

While Rima does not target a specific audience in her filmmaking, she naturally gravitates towards stories of children and young adults. Initially considering Village Rockstars as a children’s film, she later recognized its broader appeal. “When I made Village Rockstars, I thought it was a children’s film, but I realized it is for everyone. I also felt it was only for the international market, but people loved it even in India,” she stated. She emphasized the importance of representing children in cinema, expressing her desire to convey the essence of childhood without prescribing lessons. “There’s no lesson in them; I just want them to feel what I felt,” she added.

Independent Film Landscape in Northeast India

Rima is not alone in her journey; she praises other films emerging from the Northeast, including Boong, which recently became the first Indian film honored at the 79th British Academy Film Awards, and Angh, which won the Platform Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival. “Putting Northeast India on the world map is a great achievement,” she remarked in congratulating her fellow filmmakers. However, she acknowledges the challenges faced by independent filmmakers in the region, expressing concern about funding and institutional support. “I don’t know how everyone is raising funds and taking individual journeys. We need state support to tell these stories from our region,” she said, noting the differences across states within the Northeast.

The film industry in Assam is still not well established. Rima pointed out that most local filmmakers work for meager pay, often without a clear understanding of what the future holds for their projects. “The condition is worse in other states with negligible theatres,” she said. “When some films do well, it gives hope, but where are we headed in practical terms?”

The Need for Supportive Structures

Rima emphasized the necessity for a more robust culture of movie-watching among children in India, citing the lack of children’s film festivals that could help foster appreciation for independent cinema. “Six or seven-year-old kids are watching world-class films and developing a taste for a different kind of cinema. But we don’t have as many children’s film festivals in India. Is it hard to do? Not at all. We just need consistent effort.” She lamented that while there is much discussion about improving the film landscape, little actual progress is being made on the ground.

In a call to action, Rima urged film enthusiasts, fellow filmmakers, and authorities to collaboratively build better platforms for supporting independent films. “I often feel upset at the situation, but then I also tell myself that it is not my responsibility alone to change things. I cannot keep torturing myself; I need to keep my peace,” she concluded. “If you need good films, paintings, or books, it is everyone’s responsibility to turn that into reality.”

Village Rockstars 2 is currently screening in select cities, continuing to reflect Rima Das’s unique vision and commitment to telling stories that resonate with audiences.