Tora's Husband: A personal journey inspires Rima Das's new film

National Award-winning director Rima Das' new movie Tora's Husband will be screened at the 47th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film gala will be held from September 8-18.

The Assamese language feature will premiere in the 'Platform' section of the TIFF, making it the first Indian title to be showcased in the category, according to a press release.

Das, whose previous independent features Village Rockstars and Bulbul Can Sing also had their world premiere at the prestigious film festival, says the story reflects her personal journey living and working amidst the pandemic.

“In the midst of loss, lockdowns and life, we shot the film over 2 years in real locations and natural conditions. Shooting this film was more challenging than shooting my previous films because the pandemic restricts you in many ways,” Das has mentioned in a statement. While there was a constant feeling of fear and restlessness, which her characters also depict, but she knew she just had to shoot this film, “as this time will become history one day.”

Featuring Abhijit Das and Tarali Kalita Das in the lead, Tora's Husband is a story of a man who struggles to keep his small-town business afloat while his relationships deteriorate amidst loss and lockdowns.

The 160 minute-long film is believed to be a tribute to her father Bharat Chandra Das, whom she lost during the pandemic. "I lost my father during the early days of shooting the film. I dedicate this film to my father and all those who have lost their loved ones during the pandemic," she adds.

Named after Jia Zhang-ke's film of the same name, 'Platform' is a director-driven section that pushes the boundaries of narrative filmmaking in surprising and rigorous ways, using documentary or experimental techniques in their approaches. They tackle some of the most urgent concerns of our day using original, exciting cinematic language.

Veteran director Shekhar Kapur's romantic comedy What's Love Got to Do With It? will also have its world premiere at the upcoming film festival. It will be screened in the TIFF 2022 Gala Presentations selection along with first-time director Shubham Yogi's Kachchey Limbu, a sports film starring Radhika Madan and debutant Ayush Mehra.