Rima Das is one of the most celebrated voices in India’s independent film movement. Hailing from a small village in Assam with no formal training in filmmaking, she rose to global prominence through her deeply personal, self-made films that capture life with raw honesty and lyrical realism.

She gained international acclaim with Village Rockstars (2017), a coming-of-age story shot entirely with a handheld camera and non-professional actors from her village. The film won the National Award for Best Feature Film and was India’s official entry to the Oscars in 2018, making her the first female director from India to achieve this honor in decades. Rima writes, directs, edits, shoots, and even produces her films often single-handedly. Her stories center on childhood, womanhood, dreams, and resilience, all grounded in the landscapes and rhythms of rural Assam. Films like Bulbul Can Sing and Tora’s Husband further showcase her unique ability to blend realism with emotional depth.

Rima Das represents a new kind of Indian filmmaker independent, resourceful, and deeply rooted in her cultural identity. Through her lens, she brings untold stories to the global stage, proving that powerful cinema can be created with simplicity, sincerity, and soul.