Rima Das returns to Busan with ‘Village Rockstars 2’
A sequel to a beloved tale
Indian filmmaker Rima Das is back at the Busan International Film Festival, premiering her much-anticipated sequel, Village Rockstars 2. This follow-up to her 2017 hit is competing for the prestigious Jiseok award, promising to captivate audiences once again.
The journey of Dhunu continues
The original Village Rockstars told the heartwarming story of 10-year-old Dhunu, who dreams of owning a guitar and forming a rock band in her remote Assamese village. The film garnered international acclaim, winning the best film prize at India’s National Film Awards and accolades at festivals in Toronto, San Sebastian, Cairo, and Mumbai. It was even India’s entry for the Oscars.
Fast forward seven years, and Village Rockstars 2 finds Dhunu at a pivotal moment, caught between her childhood dreams and the stark realities of adulthood. Das recalls the inspiration for the sequel: “The final scene of ‘Village Rockstars’ stayed with me – Dhunu in a field at a beautiful sunset, playing the guitar for the first time. It was magical.”
A deeper, more somber narrative
While the original film captured the innocence of childhood, the sequel delves into the complexities of growing up. “The sequel portrays the harsh realities of growing up, where life’s circumstances force you to mature quickly,” Das explains. Drawing from her own experiences, she adds, “I remember as a kid, even during floods, we would happily play in the water, building rafts from banana trees, unaware of the gravity of the situation. In the first film, Dhunu saw the world with that same childlike innocence.”
A personal and instinctive approach
Das’s filmmaking style remains deeply personal and instinctive. “Stories often come to me spontaneously, sometimes in a spiritual way, and other times shaped by my life experiences and observations,” she reveals. “When I feel a strong urge to tell a story, I instinctively begin to manifest it and bring it to the screen.”
Staying true to her guerrilla filmmaking roots, Das once again takes on multiple roles – writer, director, producer, cinematographer, and editor. “It gives me the freedom of time and space to create in solitude, allowing me to spend more time with the characters and nature, developing the story naturally and capturing subtle details,” she says.
The challenges and rewards of guerrilla filmmaking
This one-woman-crew approach comes with its challenges but also allows for a unique creative process. Das recounts the unpredictable nature of her work: “There are times we have to wait for days, sometimes weeks, just to catch the perfect sky or sunset. If it rains or a storm rolls in, I might have to jump out of bed, grab my equipment, and drive myself to the location, calling the actors on the way to get ready.”
Her dedication to capturing authentic moments is evident: “Sometimes, by the time I reach the spot, the moment is already gone, and I return home empty-handed. It’s an exciting and challenging process. Even when you catch the perfect moment, it doesn’t last long. It requires a lot of hard work and patience, but when everything comes together, you witness the magic and feel truly blessed.”
Expanding horizons and overcoming hurdles
Financing remains a significant hurdle for independent films in India, but Das is expanding her horizons. Village Rockstars 2 is produced through her company Flying River Films, with Fran Borgia’s Singapore-based Akanga Film Asia as co-producer. “We need sustainable, collaborative efforts to truly build the indie film ecosystem,” Das says.
She acknowledges the complexity of the Indian market: “India is a vast and complex market with many languages, making it challenging to navigate. Some independent filmmakers across the country have succeeded in securing funding and expanding the reach of their films, giving them wider distribution. But we need to figure out how to reach the right audiences and also cultivate a new audience for our kind of cinema. It takes consistent effort to see lasting results.”
Future projects and new horizons
Following the successful Indian theatrical run of Village Rockstars, Das has similar ambitions for the sequel. “We are eager to make Village Rockstars 2 reach a wider audience. A theatrical release in India is definitely part of our plan,” she confirms. “We are working to build more support to position the film effectively.”
Looking ahead, Das is diversifying her slate. Projects in development include a Mumbai-set couples drama, a folk horror film, and Malati My Love, which participated at last year’s Asian Project Market in Busan and nabbed the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund. “I’m currently developing a few films. Some will require a full crew, while others are better suited for a smaller independent setup,” she says. “I’m eager to explore new and exciting themes and genres to keep my creativity flowing with fresh ideas and images.”
As she ventures into new territories, Das remains committed to her distinctive voice and approach to filmmaking. “I don’t think much when it comes to cinema. I simply love using this art form to express myself,” she concludes.
Did you enjoy this article? Share it on your social channels and let us know your thoughts! Don’t miss out on the latest updates! Follow us on social media to stay informed about the newest releases.