SF Bay Area Premiere

Official Selection, Berlin & Melbourne International Festivals, Winner of Best Director Award at Dublin International and Best Film, Prag Cine Awards, 2019

Following on the heels of last year’s magical Village Rockstars, Rima Das takes us back to the timeless beauty of the northeast in this bittersweet narrative that draws inspiration from her own experiences of growing up in the Assamese countryside. This is no simple rural idyll however; in Das’ deft hands, the film transforms into a deeply compelling exploration of love, loss, and adolescence.

Three friends struggle to find their own identities, and to fight back against age-old traditions and parental expectations in this heartfelt and authentic coming-of-age story. Burgeoning with the mischief, curiosity and the exuberance of youth, the girls – Bulbul and Bonnie – risk their reputations chasing first-time romances, while the boy – Sumu – is ostracized for not conforming to gender expectations. Das treats the young protagonists with great insight and respect, capturing their journeys towards self-awareness with a sensitivity reminiscent of Satyajit Ray.

“Das recounts her story in the pure language of cinema… As [Bulbul] learns to walk with both love and death in her life, countless variations of natural light give her whole world an immersive glow.” – Cameron Bailey, Toronto Film Festival