Rima Das's 'Village Rockstars 2' acquired by a Bangkok-based company
What's the story
Diversion, a Bangkok-based company, has acquired the global sales rights for Indian filmmaker Rima Das's critically acclaimed movie Village Rockstars 2.
The film will make its European debut at the Berlin Film Festival after its successful world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival in 2024. There, it bagged the prestigious Kim Jiseok Award.
Village Rockstars 2 is a sequel to Das's 2017 festival favorite, Village Rockstars.
Sequel synopsis
'Village Rockstars 2' continues the journey of Dhunu
The original film narrated the story of a 10-year-old girl named Dhunu who dreams of owning a guitar and starting a rock band in her remote Assam village.
The sequel is set seven years later and follows teenage Dhunu's battle between her childhood dreams and the harsh realities of adulthood.
As she navigates life's bitter and harsh realities, she stands on the brink of leaving behind her once-joyful childhood.
Production details
Das's multi-faceted role in 'Village Rockstars 2'
Das has worn many hats for Village Rockstars 2, being the writer, director, producer, cinematographer, and editor.
The film is a joint venture between Flying River Films, Akanga Film Asia, and Bad Rabbit Pictures with co-producers Fran Borgia, Jaya Das (Das's cousin), Yao Chen, and Cao Yu.
The cast includes Bhanita Das (who played Dhunu in the original), Basanti Das (Bhanita's real-life mother) and Manabendra Das.
Collaboration enthusiasm
Das expressed excitement over collaboration with Diversion
Sharing her excitement about the collaboration with Diversion, Das said Village Rockstars 2 was close to her heart.
She told Variety, "We are thrilled about this collaboration. Diversion has a deep sensitivity for independent and arthouse films, which aligns perfectly with our vision."
Diversion's current portfolio features several women-led films including I, The Song by Bhutanese filmmaker Dechen Roder; India's Subhadra Mahajan's Second Chance; and Taiwanese film A Journey in Spring by Wang Ping-Wen and Peng Tzu-Hui.