Sikkim Filmmaker Tribeny Rai's Film “Shape of Momo” Wins At Film Bazar, Gains International Recognition

GANGTOK: An upcoming film “Shape of Momo” by Tribeny Rai is attracting significant national and international attention prior to its completion. The film highlights the customs and traditions of Sikkim. 

During the recent Work-in-Progress Lab at Film Bazaar 2024 held in Goa, the films ‘Shape of Momo’ by Tribeny Rai and ‘Hunter’s Moon’ by Ridham Janve were announced as joint winners. 

The film ‘Shape of Momo’ was selected as one of the six outstanding projects by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NDFC) for the Work-in-Progress Lab at Film Bazar 2024. The market took place alongside the International Film Festival of India held in Goa from November 20 to 28. 

The prizes were distributed at the Marriott Resort Hotel in Panjim at the concluding event of Film Bazar. The esteemed guests, including the likes of Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary, Broadcasting, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and managing director, NDFC, and Vrunda Manohar Desai, joint secretary, Films, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and managing director,NDFC, were present at the event. 

The former head of Cannes Market, Jerome Pillard, currently an advisor to Film Bazar, additionally appeared on the stage along with the other distinguished dignitaries.  

Tribeny remarked, “Festival programmers and producers from around the world attend Film Bazaar, but many still know very little about Sikkim and its people. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase our story and represent our community on such a platform. I'm confident that many foreign delegates now have a clearer idea of where Sikkim is.” 

Rai, hailing from Nandok near Ranipool, has already received multiple national awards for her short films. Her debut full-length Nepali feature film, ‘Shape of Momo,’ chronicles the journey of a woman determined to resist the pressures of patriarchy.

The film has been extensively shot in and around Nandok and is currently moving into post-production stage after being selected for the prestigious Work-in-Progress Lab at Film Bazaar 2024.

Tribeny concluded her speech by stating, “We are yet to begin post-production, which is a highly expensive process. We are incredibly grateful for the grant we received from the Work-in-Progress Lab, as making an independent film is extremely challenging. However, we are still seeking additional funds to complete our project.”

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