Assamese filmmaker Rima Das has received global recognition at the Berlin International Film Festival 2026 after her coming-of-age film ‘Not A Hero’ won a Special Mention Award in the Generation Kplus Children’s Jury category.
The film made its world premiere at the festival on February 22, and the Special Mention was conferred during the festival’s award ceremony held on February 21, as per the information shared by the film’s team. The production house Flying River Films also acknowledged the win on social media, thanking the Berlinale Generation jury, team and audiences for their response to the film.
Assamese filmmaker Rima Das’ film Not A Hero received a Special Mention at the Berlin International Film Festival 2026 in the Generation Kplus Children’s Jury category. The film premiered at the festival on February 22, and the award was announced during the ceremony held on February 21, according to the film’s team.
What the Berlinale Recognition Is For
Not A Hero won the Special Mention Award in the Generation Kplus Children’s Jury category for Best Film. The film competed in a section that focuses on cinema made for or centred around children and young audiences.
Flying River Films described the recognition as meaningful for a story about children, their dreams and their strength to make their own choices.
Why This Matters for Guwahati and Assam’s Film Scene
Rima Das’ international festival journey has strong relevance for Guwahati, which remains Assam’s biggest cultural hub and a key centre for film screenings, creative communities, and emerging independent artists.
The Berlinale recognition adds visibility to Assamese-language cinema on a global platform, and it also brings attention back to local storytelling ecosystems that often grow through Guwahati-based audiences, students and cultural spaces.
Rima Das’ Track Record at the Berlin Film Festival
This is Rima Das’ third film to be screened at the Berlinale:
- Bulbul Can Sing (2018)
- Village Rockstars 2 (2024)
- Not A Hero (2026)
It is also her second Special Mention, after Bulbul Can Sing received a Special Mention in the Generation 14plus section in 2019, according to the details provided.
Film Details: Cast, Languages and Story
Not A Hero features Sukanya Boruah, Bhuman Bhargav Das and Mrinmoy Das in key roles. The film is shot in Assamese, Hindi and English.
Set between the city and the countryside, the story follows a young boy who moves to his village to live with his bitter aunt. He befriends a horse and joins local children on adventures, gradually discovering courage and a new understanding of life.
What Happens Next
Following its Berlinale premiere and award recognition, the next updates expected are about the film’s wider festival run and potential release plans. No release date or distribution announcement was included in the inputs provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What award did ‘Not A Hero’ win at Berlinale 2026?
The film received a Special Mention Award in the Generation Kplus Children’s Jury category.
Who directed ‘Not A Hero’?
The film was directed by Rima Das, an Assamese filmmaker whose earlier films have also screened at the Berlinale.
What languages is ‘Not A Hero’ shot in?
The film is shot in Assamese, Hindi and English.
