Guwahati: Rima Das's 'Tora's Husband' gears up for global release

The Assamese movie "Tora's Husband" by Rima Das is getting a worldwide distribution after winning awards at several film festivals.

The director and actors talked about the imminent release of the movie at a press conference that was conducted on September 19 at the Gauhati Press Club.

Tora's Husband - a loving father and a kind neighbour, struggles to keep his small-town business afloat while his relationships deteriorate, amidst loss and lockdowns. Loss and lockdowns, 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, Tora’s Husband - Jaan, strives to give his best and expects the same from others. But Tora struggles to understand him. The constant conflict between his inner world and outer world is draining him emotionally. Juggling with his underperforming business and strained personal relationships, he tries to find motivation within to keep going.

After traveling to different countries of the world, I am happy that Tora's Husband is coming home and I can show the film to my people. I wanted to tell the stories of common people whose lives and livelihood are directly or indirectly affected by the pandemic, yet they have to keep going. 

The Director's note

In the midst of loss, lockdowns and life, we shot the film over two years in real locations and natural conditions. The cast and crew were dealing with constant feeling of fear and restlessness. Often it was impossible to focus with so many things happening around. But I just had to make this film, as this time will become history one day. The story of my protagonist also reflects my personal experiences living and working during the pandemic. I lost my father during the initial days of shooting the film and this film in a way became cathartic in dealing with the grief. I dedicate this film to my father and all those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic.

Rima Das, filmmaker from India is known for making indigenous and realistic stories that explore complicated relationships, finding purpose, coming of age and life amidst nature. Her films Village Rockstars and Bulbul Can Sing premiered at Toronto International Film Festival, and were screened at over 120 prestigious film festivals around the world winning over 70 Awards including the National Film Awards in India, 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.

Her film Tora’s Husband had its World Premiere at Toronto International Film Festival 2022, as part of the Platform Competition section and had its Asian Premiere at Busan International Film Festival 2022. 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 Festival's '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.

Tora Husband' at Film Festivals

Toronto International Film Festival 2022 - World

Premiere in Platform Competition section

Busan International Film Festival 2022 - Asian Premiere

World Film Festival of Bangkok 2022

Hainan Island International Film Festival 2022 - Chinese
Premiere

Kolkata International Film Festival 2022 - Indian

Premiere

Pune International Film Festival 2023

Osaka Asian Film Festival 2023 - Japanese Premiere

Kala Ghoda Film Festival 2023

Bengaluru International Film Festival 2023

Women’s International Film Festival, 2023 (Kerala State
Chalachitra Academy)

P K Rosy film festival 2023, Chennai

Minneapolis St Paul International Film Festival 2023

Festival de cine Al Este (Eastern Film Festival) 2023,
Peru

Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival
(MISAFF), 2023, Canada

Habitat Film Festival, New Delhi 2023

Sydney Film Festival, 2023

Nitte International Film Festival, 2023 (Mangaluru)

Jagran Film Festival, 2023

Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, 2023

Credits

Written, Directed & Produced by Rima Das

Co-Producer Jaya Das

Cast Abhijit Das, Tarali Kalita Das, Bhuman

Bhargav, Das, Purbanchali Das, Simanta

Malakar, Nilima Das

Cinematography Rima Das

Production Design Rima Das

Editor Rima Das

Sound Design Bigyna Dahal

Music Sagar Desai

Supervising Colorist Mahak Gupta

Colorist Prithvi Buddhavarapu

Production Controller Tapan Das

Production Manager Mallika Das