Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Geeta Rai’s debut feature, Shape of Momo, has garnered international acclaim, securing the Taipei Film Commission Award and the Songwon Vision Award in the Vision section at the 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in South Korea. The Nepali-language film, a poignant exploration of women navigating societal norms across generations, marks a significant achievement for Sikkim’s nascent film industry. “Busan gave credibility to our work. It is special for a film from Sikkim, in Nepali, to be seen at such a platform,” Rai told PTI, expressing gratitude to her cast and crew for bringing the story to life.

The 114-minute film centers on Bishnu, a young woman who returns to her Himalayan village in Nandok, East Sikkim, after quitting her urban job. Facing family pressures, societal expectations, and the arrival of her pregnant sister, Bishnu grapples with the tension between tradition and independence, further complicated by a budding relationship.

Rai, a graduate of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), drew from her own rural-urban experiences, noting, “The film is a layered reflection on gender, class, and the struggles of ordinary people to live on their own terms.” Its universal themes resonated with Asian audiences, amplifying its impact at BIFF, one of Asia’s premier film festivals.

Rai emphasized the collaborative effort behind the film, with key contributions from co-writer, co-editor, and producer Kislay, alongside a crew largely from SRFTI and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Operating on a limited budget forced creative resourcefulness, though Rai highlighted post-production challenges as equally daunting in Sikkim’s fledgling film ecosystem. “I thought making the film would be the hardest part, but figuring out what to do with it after can be even more difficult,” she said. The awards validate her team’s perseverance, offering visibility for Northeast Indian cinema on a global stage.

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Rooted in a childhood of restricted television access, where Doordarshan sparked her love for storytelling, Rai views cinema as a medium to uncover life’s nuances. “Cinema is not merely a spectacle; its essence lies in the smaller details that reveal a larger universe,” she said. Looking ahead, Rai plans to explore human nature in future projects, though ideas remain in early stages.

The success of Shape of Momo signals a promising trajectory for Sikkimese filmmakers, with Rai’s introspective storytelling paving the way for regional voices in international cinema.

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