Rima Das’ Film ‘Not a Hero’ Wins Crystal Bear Special Mention at Berlinale 2026

By Shantiswaroop Tripathi

Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Rima Das’ latest film, Not a Hero, had its world premiere at the prestigious 2026 Berlin International Film Festival and added another international accolade to its name. The film received the Crystal Bear Special Mention at the festival, honoring its excellence.

The film was selected in the Generation Kplus competition section, which highlights films made for children and young audiences and recognizes works that deeply resonate with them.

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Sharing her excitement in Berlin with her team, Rima Das said, “This recognition means a lot to me. Not a Hero was made by listening carefully to children’s emotions and trusting them, emphasizing their quiet strength, courage, and the right to choose their own future. I am grateful to the Generation Jury, the Generation team, and the audience for embracing the film with such openness and affection.”

Her previous film Bulbul Can Sing also received a Special Mention in the Generation 14Plus section in 2019. This marks Das’ third film at the Berlinale.

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Not a Hero revolves around the life of a young boy living away from the comforts of the city in his ancestral village. He reconnects with a distant aunt, befriends a horse, and embarks on adventurous journeys with local children, discovering the beauty of life and his own inner courage.

Actor Bhuman Bhargav Das, who plays the main character Meewan, expressed his joy, saying, “I am thrilled to win. Our screening was amazing, with many people attending, including children like me. They shared their thoughts and appreciated the film. Some even took my autograph and photos with me. It was my first time seeing such a big theater. This win feels beautiful because it shows that people are listening to children like me and caring about our feelings.”

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Actress Sukanya Borua, who plays the important role of Pahi, shared her excitement: “This is my first film and my first Berlinale award, and it still feels like a dream. Being part of Not a Hero has been a wonderful experience. Working on this film taught me a lot about listening to children, understanding them, and truly connecting with them. I will always remember this experience.”

Produced by Flying River Films in collaboration with Akanga Film Asia and Traintripper Films, the world sales rights of Not a Hero were acquired by Paris-based sales company MMM Sales even before its premiere.

Rima Das’ highly acclaimed film Village Rockstars 2, the sequel to her 2017 hit Village Rockstars and India’s official entry for the 2019 Academy Awards, is set to release in theaters on March 6.

Rima Das Becomes Academy Member, TIFF Ambassador

Originally from Assam, filmmaker Rima Das needs no introduction. A two-time National Award winner, she is known for her indigenous, personal stories that explore adolescence, identity, and the human connection to nature. In 2024, she became a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and serves as a brand ambassador for TIFF’s Share Her Journey initiative, promoting gender equality in cinema.

Her acclaimed films – Village Rockstars (2017), Bulbul Can Sing (2018), Tora’s Husband (2022), and Village Rockstars 2 (2024) – have been screened at over 150 prestigious international film festivals, including Toronto, Berlinale, and Busan, and have won more than 75 awards worldwide.

The film Not a Hero was written, produced, edited, and directed by Rima Das, with co-producers Fran Borgia, Jaya Das, Chippi Babu, and Abhishek Sharma, executive producer and cinematographer Aditya Verma, associate producers Munish Bhardwaj and Mario Stefen, music by Pallab Talukdar, and starring Bhuman Bhargav Das, Sukanya Borua, Mrinmay Das, and others.