Rima Das’ ‘Village Rockstars 2’ Confronts Adulthood in Busan-Bound Sequel

As a seasoned cinephile who has traveled the globe in search of cinematic gems, I can confidently say that Rima Das stands out as one of the most captivating and authentic filmmakers I’ve encountered. Her work on “Village Rockstars” left an indelible mark on my heart, and I eagerly await the release of its sequel.

Indian director Rima Das makes a comeback at the Busan International Film Festival, presenting the global debut of “Village Rockstars 2.” This eagerly awaited sequel to her 2017 festival hit is competing for the esteemed Jiseok award.

The heartwarming film “Village Rockstars” enchanted viewers by narrating the story of 10-year-old Dhunu’s dream to acquire a guitar and create a rock band in her secluded Assamese village. It was screened at Toronto and San Sebastian, winning the best film award at India’s National Film Awards. Additionally, it received recognition at the Cairo and Mumbai festivals. This movie represented India at the Oscars.

In the next chapter, set seven years after the initial story, we find teenaged Dhunu standing at a junction where her childhood aspirations meet the tough challenges of maturity. The inspiration for this continuation came from a lasting image: the closing scene in ‘Village Rockstars’, depicting Dhunu strumming a guitar under a stunning sunset, an enchanting moment.

Reflecting on that lasting impression alongside thoughts about Dhunu’s future, Das started shooting “Village Rockstars 2” in the year 2020. As he puts it, “That instance sparked thoughts of countless individuals with dreams but limited resources. Although some achieve success, many other promising talents go unnoticed, their stories untold.

In contrast to the original’s portrayal of youthful innocence, the sequel conveys a more melancholic tone. According to Das, it showcases the unforgiving realities of growing up, where one is compelled to grow up too soon due to life’s challenges. She recalls her own childhood, where during floods, she and her peers would joyfully create rafts from banana trees, oblivious to the severity of the situation. In the first movie, Dhunu viewed the world just as innocently.

Das’s method of movie-making is strongly rooted in personal intuition. She shares that stories frequently strike her unexpectedly, sometimes with a spiritual resonance, while other times they take shape from her life events and observations. When a compelling need to narrate a tale arises within her, she naturally sets about materializing it and translating it onto the screen.

Remaining faithful to her independent filmmaking style, Das once again takes on various roles – writer, director, producer, camerawoman, and editor. She explains, “This freedom allows me to work alone, spending more time with characters and nature, which helps the story evolve organically and enables me to catch delicate nuances.

Working alone can bring its own set of difficulties, yet it offers a distinct creative journey. She shares the unforeseeable aspect of her job: “Sometimes we need to wait for days, even weeks, to capture the ideal sky or sunset. If it rains or a storm approaches, I might have to leap out of bed, grab my gear, and race myself to the location, phoning the actors on the go to prepare.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but admire the filmmaker’s relentless pursuit of authenticity. She often speaks of her journey: “Arriving at the scene, I sometimes find that the magical moment has slipped away, leaving me with nothing more than the memory of its fleeting existence. It’s a thrilling and arduous process. Even when I manage to seize the perfect instant, it doesn’t stay for long. It demands tireless effort and unyielding patience, but when all pieces fall into place, the magic unfolds, and I feel profoundly grateful.

Financing continues to pose a challenge for independent films in India, but Das is broadening her perspectives. “Village Rockstars 2” is being produced via her company Flying River Films, with Fran Borgia’s Singapore-based Akanga Film Asia serving as co-producer. “Sustainable, collaborative efforts are essential to truly establish the indie film ecosystem,” Das explains.

She recognizes the intricacy of the Indian film market: “The Indian market is vast and intricate, with numerous languages that make it hard to maneuver. Some independent filmmakers have managed to secure funding and broaden their films’ distribution across the country, but we need to determine how to reach our target audience and foster a new one for our type of cinema. Persistence is key to achieving lasting success.

After the successful theater run of “Village Rockstars”, Das has similar aspirations for the sequel, aiming to expand its reach to a broader audience. She confirms, “A theatrical release in India is indeed part of our plans for ‘Village Rockstars 2’. We are actively working to garner more support to ensure the film’s effective placement.

In the future, Das is expanding her collection of projects. Upcoming productions encompass a Mumbai-based drama about couples, a movie in the folk horror genre, and “Malati My Love,” which was showcased at last year’s Asian Project Market in Busan and also won the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund separately. She shares, “I’m actively working on a few films right now. Some will necessitate a large production team, while others are more fitting for an independent production setup. I can’t wait to delve into new and intriguing storylines and genres to fuel my creativity with innovative concepts and visuals.

In venturing into uncharted cinematic realms, Das consistently holds onto her unique style and methodology in filmmaking. “For me, cinema is not about thinking too much,” she admits, “It’s about passionately utilizing this art to convey my emotions.

2024-10-03 12:17

Rima Das’ ‘Village Rockstars 2’ Confronts Adulthood in Busan-Bound Sequel

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