In a breakthrough moment for Assamese cinema, after 29 years an Assamese film has once again won a National Award. Rima Das' directorial Village Rockstars was named the Best Feature Film at the 65th National Film Awards on Friday.
Jahnu Barua's Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai had won the award last in 1987.
Set in Rima's own village Chhaygaon near Guwahati, Village Rockstars is the story of "poor but amazing children" who live a fun-filled life. The film opens with the children having fun as a rock band. As the story progresses, it captures the whole gamut of fun that these rural children have despite living a life of poverty and deprivation.
Rima has also won the Best Editing honour for Village Rockstars, which has won the Best Child Artist honour for Bhanita Das as well. It has also been recognised for Best Location Sound Recordist Mallika Das' work.
The Best Assamese Film award went to Utpal Borpujari for Ishu. Ecstatic about the win, Borpujari said, "I am very happy to win this award as it is my debut feature film. I am grateful to my cast and crew who supported me throughout."
He was also emotional about the victory of Village Rockstars. "I am more happy about Village Rockstars because after 29 years, an Assamese film has won the Best Feature Film Award. What is more special about Village Rockstars is that it is a totally independent film which Rima Das made with her own resources with a very small crew. For such a film to win the National Award is a big achievement. This film has been widely acclaimed in international film circles."