Renowned Assamese filmmaker Rima Das has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, widely known as the Oscars, as part of the Class of 2024. Das, celebrated for her films such as Tora’s Husband and Village Rockstars, joins an esteemed group of invitees from India, including filmmaker SS Rajamouli and veteran actor Shabana Azmi. The Academy announced the new members on Instagram, stating, “We’re proud to announce our newly invited members to the Academy!”
Previously, Assam was represented at the Oscars Academy by sound designer Amrit Pritam Dutta and audio engineer Debajit Changmai. Now, Rima Das has added her name to this prestigious roster.
Born on 13 May 1981, in Kalardiya village near Chhaygaon, about 50 kilometres southwest of Guwahati, Rima Das is acclaimed for films like Village Rockstars and Bulbul Can Sing, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Das has garnered over 70 awards across more than 120 film festivals worldwide, including India’s National Film Awards. Village Rockstars also represented India at the Academy Awards in 2019. Das is noted for undertaking multiple roles in her projects, serving as writer, director, producer, cinematographer, and editor.
Her films explore various themes, from the adventures of an elderly man in Man with the Binoculars to the aspirations of a young girl in Village Rockstars, and the challenges faced by teenagers in Bulbul Can Sing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she delved into the struggles of a family man in her film Tora’s Husband. Das is recognised for her storytelling that captures personal relationships, growth, and life in natural settings.
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Initially moving to Mumbai to pursue acting, Das discovered a passion for world cinema and decided to create her own films despite limited resources. Returning to Assam, she recognised the creative potential of her hometown and embarked on Village Rockstars with just a DSLR camera, establishing herself as a filmmaker.
Recognised by GQ India as one of the Most Influential Young Indians in 2018, Rima Das is also a Brand Ambassador for the Toronto International Film Festival’s ‘Share Her Journey’ campaign, promoting gender equality in cinema. She has served on juries for various prestigious film festivals, including the Berlin International Film Festival, Mumbai International Film Festival, and Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.
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