Acclaimed Assamese filmmaker Rima Das is set to take on a distinguished new responsibility at the Busan International Film Festival, joining the three-member jury for the prestigious New Currents Award at the festival's upcoming 31st edition. Dedicated to highlighting groundbreaking emerging talent across Asian cinema, the New Currents competition stands as one of the cornerstone competitive sections of the South Korean event.
A Distinguished Three-Member International Panel
Serving alongside Das on the three-member panel are renowned South Korean actor Shim Eun-kyung and acclaimed Chinese producer Shan Zuolong. Shim is widely recognized for her standout performances in acclaimed feature films including Sunny, Miss Granny, and The Journalist. Shan Zuolong brings seasoned production expertise to the table, having backed notable independent films that have secured official selections and screened across top-tier international film festivals including Cannes, Venice, and Berlin. The winning filmmakers in the New Currents competition will be awarded a cash prize of KRW 20 million, which is approximately equivalent to USD 14,719.
A Longstanding Creative Relationship with Busan
The appointment marks a major milestone in Das' prolonged creative relationship with South Korea's premiere film platform. Multiple feature projects directed by her have been featured at Busan throughout her career, including Bulbul Can Sing and Tora's Husband. During the festival's 2024 edition, her feature Village Rockstars 2 celebrated its world premiere and subsequently went on to win the Kim Jiseok Award for Best Film. Furthermore, her upcoming project titled Malati, My Love earned selection at the Asian Project Market, an established co-production industry platform organized directly under the BIFF banner.
Asian Premiere for Her Latest Feature Not a Hero
Alongside her judicial duties, Das will also be presenting her newest cinematic work, Not a Hero, which is scheduled to stage its official Asian premiere at the festival this year. Reflecting on her appointment, Das observed that Busan has served as an exceptionally meaningful chapter throughout her artistic path. Having previously attended with her own projects, interacted with audiences and international directors, and experienced the event from multiple viewpoints, returning to evaluate competitive works in a jury capacity carries deep personal resonance.
Das highlighted that receiving this prestigious duty alongside the Asian premiere of Not a Hero makes the festival appearance even more rewarding. She emphasized her enthusiasm for engaging with emerging perspectives across Asia, participating in film dialogues, and enjoying a productive and memorable gathering in South Korea. The 31st Busan International Film Festival is scheduled to take place from October 6 through October 15, hosting screenings and events at the Busan Cinema Center and multiple connected venues across the city.
