A few days ago, TMM had reported on Sikkim filmmaker Tribeny Rai’s debut feature film Shape of Momo being chosen for the ‘Work-in-Progress Lab’ at the National Film Development Corporation of India’s (NFDC) Film Bazaar 2024, as part of the recently concluded 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), held in Goa. The latest update is that Shape of Momo – a homegrown production – has emerged as a joint winner, alongside Ridham Janve Kaatti Ri Raatti (Gaddi and Nepali). They were competing among four other projects.
Shape of Momo is a Nepali film that traces the journey of Bishnu and her family of multi-generational women, who confront the rigid norms of patriarchal society. Dubbed a gripping narrative on identity, freedom and the cultural challenges of modern women within a conventional community, the movie reflects the independent filmmaker’s eagerness to explore identity and gender dynamics in the northeastern region. Shape of Momo is presented by Tribeny’s Dalley Khorsani Productions.
Hailing from a village in Sikkim, called Nandok, Tribeny won the ‘post-production’ award at the finale of Film Bazaar 2024 in Panjim on November 27. Speaking at the event, the director said, “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.”
Commenting on the making of Shape of Momo, Tribeny – who has previously won multiple awards for her short films, said, “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.”
The other films in the lab included Shakteedhar Bir’s Gaangshalik (Bengali), Mohan Kumar Valasala’s Yerra Mandaram (Telugu), Siddharth Badi’s Umal (Marathi) and Vivek Kumar’s The Good The Bad The Hungry (Hindi).
