In a moment of significant pride for Indian cinema, acclaimed filmmaker Rima Das has been honoured with a prestigious international award. She is among a select group of eleven global filmmakers recognised by the renowned organisation, New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT).
A Prestigious Honour for Indian Storytelling
The New York Women in Film and Television announced its 2024 Designing Women Awards, celebrating exceptional talent in production design, costume design, and filmmaking. Rima Das, the National Award-winning director from Assam, was named as one of the eleven honourees for this year. The official announcement was made on May 21, 2024.
This recognition places Das in an elite international cohort. The other celebrated filmmakers and designers hail from various countries, including the United States, Mexico, and Poland. The awards ceremony is scheduled to be held in New York City on October 22, 2024.
The Journey of Rima Das: From Village to Global Acclaim
Rima Das has carved a unique niche in world cinema with her deeply personal and visually arresting films. She is best known for her internationally lauded works, Village Rockstars (2017) and Bulbul Can Sing (2018). Her cinema, often set in her native Assam, is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of rural life, childhood, and female resilience.
Village Rockstars, a film she wrote, shot, directed, and edited herself, made history by becoming India's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards. It also won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. Her success story is one of extraordinary independent filmmaking, proving that powerful narratives can emerge from the heart of Indian villages and capture global attention.
Significance of the NYWIFT Recognition
The honour from New York Women in Film and Television is not just a personal milestone for Das but a spotlight on the growing influence of Indian regional and independent cinema on the world stage. NYWIFT is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering women in the entertainment, media, and allied industries.
Being selected for this award underscores the universal appeal of Das's storytelling and her role as a pioneering female filmmaker. It highlights how narratives rooted in specific Indian contexts can resonate with international audiences and critics alike. This award serves as a powerful inspiration for aspiring filmmakers across India, especially women creating stories outside the mainstream film hubs.
The recognition also opens doors for greater collaboration and visibility within the global film community. As Indian cinema continues to diversify, accolades like this affirm the quality and artistic merit of stories coming from every corner of the country.
As Rima Das prepares to attend the ceremony in New York later this year, the Indian film fraternity celebrates this well-deserved honour. It is a testament to her vision, dedication, and the compelling power of authentic cinema.
