Guwahati: Internationally acclaimed Assamese filmmaker Rima Das said that powerful storytelling can take even a film shot on a mobile phone to the global stage, including the Academy Awards. Interacting with students of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Tezpur University on Tuesday, Das emphasised that authenticity and honesty are the most important elements in filmmaking. “Even if a film is made on a mobile phone, it can reach the Oscars if the storytelling is powerful,” she said. The interaction marked the beginning of the department’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, featuring film screenings, workshops and discussions with filmmakers and scholars. The programme also coincided with the 91st anniversary of Joymoti, the first Assamese film directed by Jyoti Prasad Agarwala.
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During the session, Das shared insights from her journey as an independent filmmaker and spoke about the changing landscape of regional cinema. Her films, including Village Rockstars, Bulbul Can Sing and Tora’s Husband, have received international recognition. Encouraging aspiring filmmakers, she urged students to believe in their stories and trust their instincts, adding that cinema is a universal language that transcends geographical boundaries.
The event also featured a documentary filmmaking workshop conducted by filmmaker and scholar Parthajit Baruah, introducing students to research methods, narrative techniques and ethical storytelling. The programme saw enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members and researchers, marking the beginning of the department’s year-long 25th anniversary celebrations.
