Assamese movie 'Village Rockstars' gets India’s official entry for Oscars 2019

Mumbai, September 24: Assamese movie 'Village Rockstars' has been selected as India's official entry to the Oscars 2019. The film is directed by Rima Das.

 

An all-India jury constituted by Film Federation of India (FFI) under the chairmanship of Kannada producer Rajendra Singh Babu made the announcement at a press conference in Mumbai on Saturday.

Set in Das' own village of Chhaygaon in Assam, 'Village Rockstars' is the story of 'poor but amazing children' who live a fun-filled life.

The film which had its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and India premiere at the Mumbai Film Festival 2018, also won the Best Feature film Award at the 65th National Film Awards.

Variety reviewer, Maggie Lee wrote: “In “Village Rockstars,” tucked away in an Indian backwater, a moppet has rock ‘n’ roll dreams, but her goal of becoming a guitarist is motivated by larger issues, like rebellion, empowerment — and to send a message to the universe. Pluckily optimistic and unsentimental to a fault, writer-director Rima Das’ second film is a tonic to third world poverty porn.” “Village Rockstars” opens in India Sept. 28. 

India has been submitting to the foreign language category since 1957. Indian films “Mother India” (1957), “Salaam Bombay” (1988) and “Lagaan” (2001) have received nominations.