National Award-winning filmmaker, Rima Das’ third Assamese feature in a row, Tora’s Husband, to have its World Premiere at the 47th Toronto International Film Festival to be held from 8-18 September 2022
It is the first Indian film to be featured in the Platform section
Das’ last independent features, the internationally acclaimed, Village Rockstars and Bulbul Can Sing also premiered at Toronto International Film Festival
Mumbai 4th August 2022: After winning hearts with the internationally acclaimed films, Village Rockstars and Bulbul Can Sing, the filmmaker, Rima Das returns to the prestigious, Toronto International Film Festival with her third film, Tora’s Husband.
Tora’s Husband is Das’ third independent feature in a row in the Assamese language to make its World Premiere at Toronto International Film Festival and is the first Indian film to premiere in the Platform section.
The 47th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) will be held from 8-18 September 2022.
Named after Jia Zhang-ke’s film ‘Platform’, this director-driven section pushes the boundaries of narrative filmmaking in surprising and rigorous ways, using documentary or experimental techniques in their approaches. They tackle some of the most urgent concerns of our day using original, exciting cinematic language.
Tora’s Husband featuring Abhijit Das and Tarali Kalita Das in the lead roles, is a story of a loving father and a kind neighbour, who struggles to keep his small-town business afloat while his relationships deteriorate, amidst loss and lockdowns. Shot during the lockdown, the film depicts life in a small town during the pandemic.
The writer-director-producer made the film independently, with a small crew. Sharing her journey, Rima says, “The story of my protagonist reflects my personal journey living and working amidst the pandemic. In the midst of loss, lockdowns and life, we shot the film for over 2 years in real locations and natural conditions. Shooting this film was more challenging than shooting my previous films because the pandemic restricts you in many ways. There was this constant feeling of fear and restlessness, which my characters also depict. But I knew I just had to shoot this film, as this time will become history one day.”
Rima paid tribute to her father, Bharat Chandra Das in the film whom she lost during the pandemic. “I lost my father during the early days of shooting the film. I dedicate this film to my father and all those who have lost their loved ones during the pandemic.” Rima adds.
Synopsis
Loss and lockdown, life and death – like everywhere around the world, a small-town businessman in Assam is grappling with uncertainty and restlessness. With a worldview unlike those living around him, he strives to be a better version of himself and expects the same from those around him. He sometimes gets aggressive and sometimes reasons with love and patience. But his expectations are crushed time and again. Juggling with his underperforming business and strained personal relationships, he tries to find motivation within to keep going.
About Rima Das:
The two-time National award-winning filmmaker is known for making indigenous and realistic stories that explore complicated relationships, finding purpose, coming of age and life amidst nature. Her previous films ‘Village Rockstars’ and ‘Bulbul Can Sing’ also premiered at TIFF, and were screened at over 120 prestigious film festivals around the world winning over 70 Awards. Village Rockstars was also India’s Official Entry to the Academy Awards ‘Oscars’ 2019. Village Rockstars was also India’s Official Entry to the Academy Awards ‘Oscars’ 2019. She has donned multiple hats of writer, director, producer, cinematographer, editor for her projects.
GQ India named Rima Das as one of the Most Influential Young Indians of 2018. She is also one of the Brand Ambassadors of Toronto International Film Festivals ‘Share Her Journey’ campaign that champions the cause of gender equality in cinema. She has been on the jury of Berlin International Film Festival Generation 14plus, Mumbai International Film Festival, Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and Zlin Film Festival for Children & Youth.
