Village Rockstars' Oscar selection remains a watershed moment for northeast Indian cinema and independent filmmakers.

‘Village Rockstars’ Bags The Best Feature Film At 65th National Film Awards

Rima Das’ National Award-winning Assamese feature “Village Rockstars” has been chosen to represent India in the Best Foreign Language category at the 91st Academy Awards next year, the Film Federation of India (FFI) announced Saturday.

The film follows Dhunu, a girl who grows up in poverty and learns to fend for herself. However, that does not prevent her from following her dream of forming a rock band and owning a guitar someday. Elated with the news, Das said: “Village Rockstars” selection is a “huge recognition” for filmmakers from the northeast.

“It feels great. I don’t have many words to explain. The whole journey is kind of a fairy tale. It is a huge recognition for northeast and I think it is the first Assamese film to get selected. So I believe it will change a lot for filmmakers from the region. I was always hopeful. I was always looking forward to going to the festivals and winning accolades. But most important to me was that people should connect with the film. That emotional connection is something which I have achieved through this film,” Das told PTI.

“Village Rockstars”, starring Bhanita Das in the lead role, had its world premiere at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and has toured more than 70 prestigious international and national film festivals. The coming-of-age film had bagged the Best Feature Film trophy at the 65th National Film Awards, besides also winning Best Child Artist, Best Location Sound Recordist and Best Editing.

The announcement was made by SV Rajendra Singh Babu, Chairman, Selection Committee for Oscar Award, FFI. “It is technically a film with a good human concept that would touch people around the world. We are honouring a film that deserves to be at the Oscars. We are hopeful and confident that people will see and respect the film,” he told reporters.

The Underdog Comes On Top

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Padmaavat”, Alia Bhatt-starrer “Raazi”, Rani Mukerji fronted “Hichki”, Shoojit Sircar’s “October”, “Love Sonia” directed by Tabrez Noorani, “Tumbaad”, “Halkaa”, “Kadvi Hawa” and latest release “Manto” were part of the list of 28 films submitted for next year’s Oscars.

No Indian film has ever won an Oscar. The last Indian film that made it to the final five in the Best Foreign Film category list was Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Lagaan” in 2001. “Mother India” (1958) and “Salaam Bombay” (1989) are the other two Indian movies to have made it to the top five.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Village Rockstars India’s official Oscar entry for 2019?

Yes, Village Rockstars was selected by the Film Federation of India as India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 91st Academy Awards in 2019, representing a significant recognition for Assamese cinema.

What is Village Rockstars about?

The film follows Dhunu, a girl born into poverty who dreams of forming a rock band and owning a guitar. Despite financial hardships, she pursues her passion while learning to navigate and fend for herself in her community.

Who directed Village Rockstars?

Rima Das directed Village Rockstars, an Assamese filmmaker whose work brought international recognition to northeast Indian cinema through this coming-of-age feature film.

How many awards did Village Rockstars win at the National Film Awards?

At the 65th National Film Awards, Village Rockstars won Best Feature Film, Best Child Artist, and Best Location among other accolades, cementing its status as a critically acclaimed Indian production.

Where did Village Rockstars premiere internationally?

Village Rockstars had its world premiere at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and subsequently toured over 70 prestigious international and national film festivals worldwide.