Gangtok: Emerging filmmaker Tribeny Rai from Sikkim is gaining national and international attention with her debut feature-length Nepali film, Shape of Momo.
The film, which has been shot entirely in her home state, has recently earned a spot in the prestigious Work-in-Progress Lab at the National Film Development Corporation of India’s (NFDC) Film Bazaar 2024. This year’s lab will run alongside the International Film Festival of India in Goa from November 20-28.
Shape of Momo is one of only six films selected for the lab, which plays a key role in nurturing South Asian cinema by helping filmmakers refine their projects through industry experts’ insights. Rai’s film tells a poignant story about Bishnu and her multi-generational family of women navigating the constraints of a patriarchal society. The narrative focuses on themes of identity, freedom, and the challenges modern women face in traditional communities.
The film’s selection to the NFDC’s Work-in-Progress Lab has garnered significant media attention, with coverage in major publications like Hindustan Times and global entertainment platform Variety. Rai expressed her excitement about the opportunity, saying, “After working extensively on our rough cut, I know that expert feedback will be crucial to shaping our film’s final version. The lab’s access to industry connections—producers, distributors, and festival programmers—would be invaluable for our film’s journey.”
Since its inception in 2008, the NFDC Work-in-Progress Lab has played a pivotal role in shaping South Asian films for international recognition. Previous films like Lipstick Under My Burkha, Ship of Theseus, and Shivamma, a winner at the Busan International Film Festival, have found critical success after receiving support from the lab.
Rai, who hails from Nandok near Gangtok, Sikkim, has already made a name for herself with her award-winning short films. She recently represented India at the 29th Busan International Film Festival. Reflecting on the lab’s support, she added, “I am excited about the lab’s resources, including post-production support, technical assistance, and potential funding. With this guidance, I believe we can overcome challenges and bring our project to its fullest potential.”
As Shape of Momo moves toward its final stages of production, the NFDC Film Bazaar’s platform will be instrumental in shaping its future, with the potential to further elevate Sikkim’s growing presence in the Indian and international film industry.