Award-winning independent filmmaker from Sikkim Tribeny Rai’s debut feature film Shape of Momo has been selected for ‘Work-in-Progress Lab’ at the National Film Development Corporation of India’s (NFDC) Film Bazaar 2024. It will run as part of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which is scheduled to be held in Goa on November 20-28.
Shape of Momo is a Nepali film, which is currently in the final stages of production. It joins five other movies selected for the lab. This is a crucial initiative by NFDC, which helps emerging filmmakers from across the nation to refine their projects, get funding and eventually find the right audience for their film. It connects filmmakers with seasoned producers, festival directors and editors, who offer them guidance and support.
The other five films included in the lab are Shakteedhar Bir’s Gaangshalik (Bengali), Mohan Kumar Valasala’s Yerra Mandaram (Telugu), Ridham Janve’s Kaatti Ri Raatti (Gaddi and Nepali), Siddharth Badi’s Umal (Marathi) and Vivek Kumar’s The Good The Bad The Hungry (Hindi). In the past, the ‘Work-in-Progress Lab’ has supported films like Ship of Theseus and Lipstick Under My Burkha.
Said to be keen on exploring identity and gender dynamics, Tribeny’s new film follows the journey of Bishnu and her family of multi-generational women, who confront the patriarchal society. It’s described as a compelling narrative on identity, freedom and the cultural challenges of modern women within a conventional community.
Speaking about her expectations, Tribeny told The Telegraph, “I am hopeful that the audience will enjoy the movie.” Shape of Momo is also a homegrown production, presented by Dalley Khorsani Productions, run by the filmmaker.
