Director-producer Rima Das (3rdfrom r), poses with her film artists at her residence, at Chaygaon in Kamrup, Sept. 23. Das’ National Award-winning Assamese feature ‘Village Rockstars’ has been chosen to represent India in the Best Foreign Language category at the 91stAcademy Awards next year. (Press Trust of India)

Rima Das’ National Award-winning Assamese feature “Village Rockstars” has been chosen to represent India in the Best Foreign Language category at the 91stAcademy Awards next year, the Film Federation of India (FFI) announced Sept. 22.

The film follows Dhunu, a girl who grows up in poverty and learns to fend for herself. However, that does not prevent her from following her dream of forming a rock band and owning a guitar someday.

Elated with the news, Das said “Village Rockstars” selection is a “huge recognition” for filmmakers from northeast.

Director Rima Das addresses a press conference after her film ‘Village Rockstars’ was chosen to represent India in the ‘Best Foreign Language’ category at the 91st Academy Awards next year, in Guwahati, Sept. 27. (Press Trust of India)

“It feels great. I don’t have many words to explain. The whole journey is kind of a fairy tale. It is a huge recognition for northeast and I think it is the first Assamese film to get selected. So I believe it will change a lot for filmmakers from the region.

“I was always hopeful. I was always looking forward to going to the festivals and winning accolades. But most important for me was that people should connect with the film. That emotional connections is something which I have achieved through this film,” Das told PTI.

“Village Rockstars,” starring Bhanita Das in the lead role, had its world premiere at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and has toured more than 70 prestigious international and national film festivals.

The coming-of-age film had bagged the Best Feature Film trophy at the 65thNational Film Awards, besides also winning Best Child Artist, Best Location Sound Recordist and Best Editing.

Actor Bhanita Das at the premiere of her film “Village Rockstars,” which was been chosen to represent India in the Best Foreign Language category at the 91st Academy Awards next year, in Guwahati, Sept. 27. (Press Trust of India)

The announcement was made by S.V. Rajendra Singh Babu, Chairman, Selection Committee for Oscar Award, FFI.

“It is technically a film with good human concept that would touch people around the world. We are honoring a film that deserves to be at the Oscars. We are hopeful and confident that people will see and respect the film,” he told reporters.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Padmaavat,” Alia Bhatt-starrrer “Raazi,” Rani Mukerji fronted “Hichki,” Shoojit Sircar’s “October,” “Love Sonia” directed by Tabrez Noorani, “Tumbaad,” “Halkaa,” “Kadvi Hawa” and latest release “Manto” were part of the list of 28 films submitted for next year’s Oscars.

No Indian film has ever won an Oscar. The last Indian film that made it to the final five in the Best Foreign Film category list was Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Lagaan” in 2001.

Actors of ‘Village Rockstars’ in a light mood at director-producer Rima Das’ residence, at Chaygaon in Kamrup, Sept. 23. Das’ National Award-winning Assamese feature ‘Village Rockstars’ has been chosen to represent India in the Best Foreign Language category at the 91st Academy Awards next year. (Press Trust of India)

“Mother India” (1958) and “Salaam Bombay” (1989) are the other two Indian movies to have made it to the top five.

Hindi film “Newton” by director Amit Masurkar and starring Rajkummar Rao was India’s official submission to the Oscars last year.