Acclaimed Indian filmmaker Rima Das has brought another prestigious honour to the country's cinema. She has been presented with the Excellence in Directing award by the renowned New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT) for her directorial work on 'Village Rockstars 2'.
A Global Honour for an Indian Storyteller
The award was announced on December 30 from New Delhi. NYWIFT is one of the most respected nonprofit organisations in the United States entertainment sector. It focuses on supporting, promoting, and celebrating the work of women across film, television, and digital media. Das was one of only 11 international filmmakers honoured this year for their significant contributions to global cinema.
In an official statement, Rima Das expressed that this recognition holds deep personal significance. "Receiving this recognition from New York Women in Film and Television for 'Village Rockstars 2' is deeply meaningful to me," she said. The filmmaker views the award not merely as a personal achievement but as a powerful validation. She believes it reaffirms that authentic stories from India, rooted in real-life experiences, possess the power to resonate with audiences worldwide and transcend geographical boundaries.
Expanding Cinematic Horizons
Das also highlighted how this support fuels her broader artistic vision. "My cinematic journey and ambitions are expansive, and this support strengthens my belief in building a more inclusive global cinema," she added. The award serves as encouragement for her continued work in telling diverse stories on an international platform.
'Village Rockstars 2' is the sequel to her earlier, multiple award-winning film 'Village Rockstars'. The new project has already garnered critical acclaim on the global stage. It had its world premiere at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival in 2024, where it won the coveted Kim Jiseok Award for Best Film.
Celebrating Women Filmmakers Worldwide
Rima Das shared this international honour with a distinguished group of filmmakers from around the world. The other recipients of NYWIFT awards this year include:
- Suzannah Herbert for "Natchez"
- Cherien Dabis for "All That’s Left of You"
- Shonali Bose for "A Fly on the Wall"
- Rachel Immaraj for "An Unquiet Mind"
- Elena Neuman for "Looking UP"
- Kerstin Karlhuber for "After All"
- Lisa Cunningham for "Me Period"
- Jackie Quinones for "Miles Away"
- Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni for "Cutting Through Rocks"
- Rachel Israel for "The Floaters"
This award underscores the growing international footprint of Indian independent cinema and celebrates the unique voice of women directors like Rima Das who are shaping its narrative.
