Filmmaker Tribeny Rai says her debut feature, Shape of Momo, was created with a clear intention: to present a nuanced and authentic portrayal of women from the Northeast—voices she believes have long been sidelined or stereotyped in mainstream Indian cinema.

A Story Rooted in Identity and Conflict

Set in a remote Himalayan village, the Nepali-language film follows Bishnu (played by Pashupati Rai), a young woman who returns home after leaving her city job. As she confronts expectations from her conservative community, the arrival of her pregnant sister and the prospect of an arranged match push her into a deeper struggle between tradition and personal independence.

Rai, who hails from Sikkim, said Bishnu’s character draws heavily from personal experiences and observations. She describes the protagonist as “independent, strong-headed, and even unlikable at times”—traits she intentionally crafted to break away from the overly idealised portrayals often used in films dealing with patriarchy.

“I grew up never seeing girls or women like us on screen. It was important to tell this story,”
she told PTI.

Global Recognition and Critical Acclaim

Shape of Momo has earned strong international praise. The film premiered at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival and later secured the top award at the Kolkata International Film Festival 2025. According to Rai, audiences from around the world have connected deeply with Bishnu’s story. She recalled women from Colombia and Nepal sharing that the film reflected their own life experiences—proof, she said, of the universal nature of its themes.

A Milestone Moment at IFFI

An alumna of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Rai said screening Shape of Momo at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) felt like “a full-circle moment” in her filmmaking journey. The film is also set to be showcased at upcoming festivals in Kerala, Singapore, and France.

The Road Ahead

Rai hopes to release the film in India in the coming months. However, she acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by independent filmmakers, especially when it comes to securing theatrical screenings.

Despite these hurdles, Shape of Momo stands as a compelling example of how independent cinema can reclaim narratives, highlight underrepresented voices, and spark global conversations about identity, womanhood, and cultural authenticity.