Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral
At the 56th International Film Festival of India, Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Rai’s debut feature Shape of Momos captured attention for its sensitive and authentic portrayal of everyday life in Sikkim. Screened under the Indian Panorama section, the film explores the cultural and emotional landscape of the Eastern Himalayas through the eyes of its women protagonists. Following the screening, Tribeny Rai, producer and co-writer Kislay, and lead actor Gaumaya Gurung shared insights about the film and the Sikkimese film industry at a press conference.
An alumna of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Tribeny Rai is recognized for her nuanced storytelling that highlights the lived experiences of women in her region. Shape of Momos, rooted in her personal experiences and cultural memory, represents a journey of both artistic exploration and logistical perseverance. With Sikkim’s film industry still in its nascent stages, the team faced significant infrastructural challenges, including sourcing professional camera equipment from other cities. Despite these hurdles, the film has already been showcased at international festivals, including Busan, reflecting its global resonance.
The title of the film draws from the ubiquity of momos in Sikkim, a food that accompanies both joyful and sorrowful occasions, symbolizing the shared rhythms of daily life. Producer Kislay noted the importance of presenting stories from underrepresented regions like Sikkim without succumbing to stereotypes. He emphasized that the selection of the film at IFFI represents the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration to bring authentic regional voices to wider audiences.
Lead actor Gaumaya Gurung highlighted the significance of portraying a female perspective, something she finds rare in Nepali-language cinema despite her years of experience. She appreciated the film’s careful balance between subjective and objective storytelling, allowing audiences to engage deeply with the protagonist’s inner world.
Distribution remains a challenge for independent regional films, yet Shape of Momos is slated for release across Sikkim, North Bengal, parts of Meghalaya and Assam, as well as Dehradun, catering to Nepali-speaking audiences. Additionally, the film will have a theatrical release in Italy, extending its reach internationally. Tribeny Rai stressed the need for a supportive community of independent filmmakers in Sikkim to navigate these challenges and enhance visibility.
As the first woman filmmaker from Sikkim, Tribeny Rai reflected on the gradual emergence of film culture in the state. Limited resources and infrastructure make filmmaking a formidable endeavor, but there is growing enthusiasm among young Sikkimese film students, many of whom resonate with the portrayal of familiar lives in Shape of Momos. Through this debut, Tribeny challenges the mainstream cinematic lens that often exoticizes the Northeast or reduces it to narrow narratives, presenting instead a story where everyday Sikkimese people are the heroes of their own lives.
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