If you thought Rima Das had already conquered the world with ‘Village Rockstars’, think again. The National Award-winning filmmaker is back, and this time she’s bringing a story that promises quiet magic and big emotions to the 76th Berlin International Film Festival. Her latest feature, ‘Not a Hero’, will make its world premiere in the Generation Kplus Competition on February 14, 2026, Valentine’s Day.
This year, the Generation section is buzzing with talent: 18 feature films and 23 shorts from 31 countries, including 30 world premieres and 10 feature debuts.
From ‘Village Rockstars’ to ‘Not a Hero’
Das is no stranger to Berlin. She first stole hearts in 2019 with ‘Village Rockstars’ and followed it up with ‘Village Rockstars 2’ in 2025. This marks her third selection at the prestigious festival.
About ‘Not a Hero’
‘Not a Hero’ is set between the city and the countryside exploring how a young boy discovers strength in the most unexpected ways. The official logline teases: “Exiled from city comforts to his ancestral village, a boy encounters his bitter aunt, befriends a horse, and joins wild local children on untamed adventures, discovering the beauty of life and a courage he never knew he had.”
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Think childhood adventures, a touch of rebellion, and a whole lot of heart. Das’s film is about courage not defined by power, but by kindness, awareness, and the ability to adapt to the world around us.
The making of ‘Not a Hero’
The film is shot in Assamese, Hindi, and English, starring Bhuman Bhargav Das. You might remember him from Das’s 2022 film ‘Tora’s Husband’. Sharing the screen is Sukanya Boruah.
Produced under Das’s own banner Flying River Films, in collaboration with Akanga Film Asia, ‘Not a Hero’ reflects her signature style: intimate, observational, and full of human warmth. In her own words, Das says the film “opens a space for reflection across generations.”
Her inspirations are as diverse as her films, from Satyajit Ray to Ingmar Bergman and Majid Majidi.
Rima Das filmography highlights
– Pratha
– Man with the Binoculars: Antardrishti
– Village Rockstars
– Bulbul Can Sing
– For Each Other
– Sunshine Dreamers
– Tora’s Husband
– Village Rockstars 2
– My Melbourne