After winning hearts with the internationally acclaimed films, Village Rockstars and Bulbul Can Sing, 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 première at the film festival. In addition, Tora’s Husband is the first Indian film to première in the Platform section, which is named after Jia Zhang-Ke’s film Platform and this director-driven section pushes the boundaries of narrative filmmaking in surprising and rigorous ways, using documentary or experimental techniques in their approaches.
The 47th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) will be held from September 8 to18, 2022.
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.”
The director pays 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,” says the Village Rockstar director.
The two-time National award-winning filmmaker, Rima Das 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.