Key Points

Tribeny Rai from Sikkim has made history by winning two major awards at the Busan International Film Festival for her debut feature 'Shape of Momo'. The film earned both the Taipei Film Commission Award and the Songwon Vision Award, marking a significant achievement for Nepali-language cinema. In her approach, Rai consciously avoided romanticizing mountain landscapes, instead focusing on authentic storytelling about belonging and identity. The film follows a woman's struggle between tradition and independence when she returns to her village after quitting her job.

Key Points: Sikkim Filmmaker Tribeny Rai Wins Two Busan Awards for Shape of Momo

  • Sikkim filmmaker Tribeny Rai's debut feature wins two prestigious Busan awards
  • Film explores tradition versus independence through protagonist Bishnu's journey
  • Rai deliberately avoids romanticizing mountain landscapes in her storytelling
  • Story follows woman returning to village facing family pressures and relationships
2 min read

Sikkim filmmaker, Tribeny Rai's 'Shape of Momo' wins two awards at Busan Film Festival

Tribeny Rai's debut feature 'Shape of Momo' wins Taipei Film Commission and Songwon Vision awards at Busan International Film Festival, celebrating Nepali cinema.

"We are over the moon to inform you that our Film Shape of Momo has won two awards @busanfilmfest - Film Team Instagram Post"

Busan, October 5

Tribeny Rai, a filmmaker from Sikkim, has won big for her debut feature, 'Shape of Momo' at the Busan International Film Festival.

The film received two big awards at the prestigious film festival, including the Taipei Film Commission Award and the Songwon Vision Award, the makers confirmed.

"We are over the moon to inform you that our Film Shape of Momo has won two awards @busanfilmfest. It has won the Taipei Film Commission Award and the Songwon Vision Award. We just want to take this opportunity to thank the entire cast and crew for bringing this story to life. Forever indebted for your contribution. Certainly awards add credibility, but with or without them we would still be the same bunch of filmmakers, searching and persevering," they wrote in an Instagram post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DPGnYUdEu8Q/

'Shape of Momo' premiered at the Busan Film Festival in September this year. Speaking to Variety, Tribeny Rai opened up on how she decided to not romanticise the mountains. "People always want to romanticize places like ours, turn them into some beautiful backdrop for someone else's story. I've never liked that," she said.

The Nepali-language film follows the story of Bishnu, who comes back to her mountain village after quitting her job. However, she ends up facing family pressures and societal expectations, only for her tensions to rise after her pregnant sister's arrival and a budding relationship with a boy.

The story progresses to show Bishnu struggling between her tradition and independence.

Describing the film's story as a "quiet struggle", Rai told Variety, "We leave the places that shaped us in search of opportunity, freedom and a better life, only to find ourselves belonging nowhere. I am still caught in that in-between space, unable to decide whether to stay in my village or surrender to the city."

Directed by Tribeny Rai, 'Shape of Momo' is produced by Geeta Rai and Kislay and co-produced by Neha Malik, Himanshu Kohli, and Jung Woo Lee.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally a film that doesn't romanticize the mountains! As someone from Uttarakhand, I completely relate to what she's saying. Our stories are more than just beautiful backdrops for tourists.
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David E
The struggle between tradition and independence is universal, but seeing it through a Nepali-language film from Sikkim gives such a unique perspective. Congratulations to the entire team!
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Ananya R
Hope this inspires more regional filmmakers to tell authentic stories without worrying about commercial pressures. The "in-between space" she describes is so relatable for many Indian youth today.
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Sarah B
While I appreciate the achievement, I wish Indian media would cover Northeast filmmakers more consistently, not just when they win international awards. The talent has always been there.
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Vikram M
Two awards at Busan is no small feat! 🏆 This shows that good storytelling transcends language barriers. Can't wait to watch this when it releases in India. More power to women filmmakers! 💪

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