National Film Awards 2018: Assam girl Rima Das'  Village Rockstars wins Best Feature Film

While on one hand, Assam is coping up with the communal tension in few of its area, the state has managed to win big honours at the National Film Awards 2018, that was announced early today. Assamese film Village Rockstars, written and directed by Rima Das was awarded as the Best Feature Film. It’s a breakthrough moment for Assamese cinema as this honour comes after 29 years, Jahnu Barua’s Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai had won the award last in 1987.

Village Rockstars in a coming-of-age story of “poor but amazing children”, who live a satisfied life, full of fun and happiness. The story projects the story of how a group of poverty-stricken children understands the true meaning of life, and through their rock band, bring happiness to each other’s life.

The independent film by self-made filmmaker Rima Das was also awarded for Best Editing (Rima), Best Audiography (Mallika Das) and Best Child Artist (Bhanita Das). The film has already made rounds of various film festivals and has received a great response.

Watch the trailer of Village Rockstars here

The 65th National Film Awards, organised by the government’s Directorate of Film and Festivals, were announced today morning in Delhi by jury head Shekhar Kapur. Before announcing the awards, he had appreciated the regional cinema being made in the country, stating, “I didn’t know there are movies made in Assam that make it to Cannes.”

The National Film Awards are considered to be the highest honour in Indian cinema.The awarding ceremony will be held on May 3, and all the awards will be presented by President Ram Nath Kovind. The Best Assamese Film was awarded to Ishu, while Newton won the Best Hindi Film. Also, Sridevi and Vinod Khaana were given a posthomous award for their contribution to cinema. While Sridevi was honoured for her film MOM, Vinod received the Dada Saheb Phalke Award.