Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Geeta Rai is garnering international acclaim as her debut film, "Shape of Momo," secured two prestigious awards at the recently concluded Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). The Nepali-language film, which explores the experiences of women navigating social norms across generations, won both the Taipei Film Commission Award and the Songwon Vision Award in the Vision Section of the festival.
"Shape of Momo" tells the story of Bishnu, a young woman who returns to her Himalayan village after quitting her job. Back home, she faces family pressures, societal expectations, and the inner struggle of choosing between tradition and independence. Rai's film delves into themes of gender, class, and the challenges faced by ordinary people striving to live life on their own terms.
Rai, a proud alumna of the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), emphasizes that filmmaking, for her, is a sincere reflection of life. She shares that in "Shape of Momo," she has tried to objectively present the experiences of several women, including her own, as truthfully as possible. Rai also expressed her desire to move away from romanticizing the mountains and instead focus on the everyday struggles and quiet emotions of the people who live there.
The film had its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival in September, where it immediately captured attention with its fresh storytelling and emotional depth. The film's team shared their excitement on Instagram, expressing gratitude to the cast and crew for bringing the story to life.
Rai expressed her excitement about the film premiering at such an internationally recognized festival. She stated that the awards add credibility to their work and that Busan provided a platform to connect with audiences who share cultural similarities in Asia. She also acknowledged the challenges and rewards of independent filmmaking, especially for those from emerging film industries like Sikkim.
"Shape of Momo" is produced by Geeta Rai and Kislay, with co-producers Neha Malik, Himanshu Kohli, and Jung Woo Lee. The film was shot in Nandok, East Sikkim. The film previously won the top prize at the NFDC Filmbazaar in Goa in November 2023 and was also showcased at the Cannes Film Festival as part of the "HAF Goes to Cannes" program.
Tribeny Geeta Rai's achievement at the Busan International Film Festival marks a significant moment for Sikkimese cinema, bringing visibility and recognition to the region's emerging film industry.
