Guwahati: Assam’s globally Acclaimed filmmaker Rima Das said even films made on a mobile phone can reach the Oscars if the storytelling is powerful, emphasising that authenticity and honesty remain the most important elements in cinema.
“Even if a film is made on a mobile phone, it can reach the Oscars if the storytelling is powerful. What matters is authenticity and honesty in the craft,” Das said while interacting with students of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ) at Tezpur University on Tuesday.
The interaction marked the beginning of the department’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, which opened with a series of film-focused sessions, workshops and discussions featuring noted filmmakers and scholars.
The programme also coincided with the 91st anniversary of the release of Joymoti, the first Assamese film directed by cultural icon Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, widely regarded as the father of Assamese cinema.
During the session, Das shared her journey as an independent filmmaker and spoke about the evolving landscape of regional cinema. Known for internationally acclaimed films such as Village Rockstars, Bulbul Can Sing and Tora’s Husband, she offered insights into storytelling, working with limited resources and building authentic narratives rooted in local realities.
Encouraging aspiring filmmakers, Das urged students to believe in their stories and trust their instincts. “Believe in your story and have faith in yourself,” she said, adding that cinema is a universal language that transcends geographical boundaries.
Having never attended film school herself, she advised students to listen to the “quiet voice of their heart” while creating films.
Reflecting on the future of Assamese cinema on the global stage, she highlighted the importance of discipline, artistic commitment and audience support for regional filmmakers.
As part of the programme, the department also organised a workshop on documentary filmmaking conducted by noted filmmaker and scholar Parthajit Baruah. The workshop introduced students to the craft of documentary filmmaking, covering research methodologies, narrative structures, ethical storytelling and the role of documentaries in interpreting social and political realities.
The inaugural session paid tribute to Assam’s cinematic heritage with screenings of rare archival footage and scenes from early Assamese films such as Joymoti and Indramalati. The audience was also shown a rare visual clip depicting Agarwala’s return from Shillong to Tezpur during the final days of his life, honouring his wish to return to his hometown.
Manoj Deori, Head of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, said the programme marked the formal beginning of the department’s 25th anniversary celebrations. Launching the event on a day of historic significance in Assamese cinema made the occasion particularly meaningful, he added.
The sessions witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members and research scholars of Tezpur University, setting a vibrant tone for the department’s year-long Silver Jubilee celebrations.