‘Shape of Momos,’ the debut feature by Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Rai, was showcased in the Indian Panorama section at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Following the screening, Rai, along with Producer and Co-writer Kislay and lead actor Gaumaya Gurung, addressed the media at a press conference. Tribeny Rai, an alumna of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, focuses on women’s experiences within the cultural fabric of the Eastern Himalayas, a theme echoed in her film, which is set against Sikkim’s Cultural Landscape.
Rai described the filmmaking process as rewarding yet challenging, particularly due to the infrastructural limitations experienced in the nascent Sikkimese film industry, which requires sourcing professional equipment from larger cities. Despite these obstacles, ‘Shape of Momos’ has been featured in various international festivals, including Busan. The film’s title reflects the cultural significance of momos in Sikkim, symbolizing the daily lives and emotions of the local populace.
Kislay praised the film’s authenticity, built on Tribeny’s personal experiences, and noted the underrepresentation of Sikkimese stories in mainstream cinema. Gaumaya Gurung highlighted the rarity of female perspectives in the Nepali film industry, appreciating the film’s subjective portrayal of the protagonist’s emotions.
The team also acknowledged the hurdles faced in distributing and marketing independent films, with ‘Shape of Momos’ set to be released in Sikkim, North Bengal, parts of Meghalaya and Assam, and Dehradun, regions with significant Nepali-speaking audiences. Furthermore, the film will be theatrically released in Italy.
Rai emphasized the growing need for a supportive network among independent filmmakers in Sikkim to enhance distribution and visibility. Identifying as Sikkim’s first woman filmmaker, she reflected on the slow growth of the film culture in the state. With limited resources, filmmaking remains challenging, yet there is a burgeoning interest among young Sikkimese film students, many of whom relate to the everyday experiences portrayed in ‘Shape of Momos.’ Rai criticized the tendency in mainstream Hindi cinema to exoticize the Northeast and focused on her intention to showcase Sikkimese people as the protagonists in their stories.
