Tribeny Rai’s debut Nepali film selected for San Sebastián Film Festival

‘Shape of Momo’ marks a landmark moment for Sikkim on global cinema map

GANGTOK,: Continuing to bring international recognition to Sikkim and the Indian Nepali film industry, award-winning Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Rai has reached a new milestone with the official selection of her debut Nepali feature film, ‘Shape of Momo’ (Nepali title: Chhora Jastai), at the San Sebastián International Film Festival 2025 in Spain.

‘Shape of Momo’, which is now finally completed, will be screened in the prestigious ‘New Directors’ section of the iconic festival, set to take place from September 20 to 28, informed filmmaker Tribeny, after receiving the official invitation on Tuesday.

San Sebastián, one of Europe’s oldest and most respected film festivals, is renowned for spotlighting fresh global voices in cinema. Notably, Oscar-winning ‘Parasite’ director Bong Joon-ho also premiered his debut feature at this very festival.

‘Shape of Momo’ joins a carefully curated selection of 14 debut or second-time feature films by directors from 11 countries, with Tribeny Rai representing India and the Indian Nepali-speaking community on this world stage. Films in this category have a track record of garnering widespread critical acclaim. Last year’s selections collectively won over 50 international awards and nominations following their debut at San Sebastián.

 “The film is finally complete, and I am deeply honoured to screen it at San Sebastián. ‘Shape of Momo’ was born out of a personal longing to tell stories about my home and the women in it. To have it resonate on an international platform is incredibly humbling,” said Tribeny.

Tribeny hails from Nandok, East Sikkim and has won multiple awards for her previous short films, after graduating from Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Kolkata. ‘Shape of Momo’ is her debut feature film marking a significant moment not just for her career, but also for Sikkim and Himalayan storytelling on the global cinema map.

The film, during its under-production stages, has already generated international buzz for Tribeny and Sikkim, notably during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival film market and the Hong Kong International Film Market earlier this year. Her work is steadily cementing Sikkim’s place on the global cinema map.

Tribeny has received official invitation for the San Sebastián International Film Festival 2025 and plans to attend with the cast and crew. We’ve received the invitation, but the logistics still need to be arranged, she informed.

The Sikkimese filmmaker thanked the State government and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay for the support rendered to her project during its under-production stage. She expressed her hope that that the State government will again extend its support as the Sikkim-made film is poised to make a global launch at the prestigious San Sebastián International Film Festival.

Set in Tribeny’s native villages of Nandok and Assam Lingzey, ‘Shape of Momo’ follows Bishnu (portrayed by actress Gaumaya Gurung), a young woman navigating familial expectations and societal pressures while living in a house full of women.

This film marks a watershed moment for Indian Nepali-language cinema, not only for its international launchpad but also for the way it centres Himalayan voices and landscapes in global storytelling.

The film is a co-production between India and South Korea, produced by Dalley Khorsani Production in association with Kathkala Films and Aizoa Pictures.

Producer of several Oscar-nominated films, including the Cannes-winning ‘Triangle of Sadness’, Mike Goodridge has also boarded the film as Executive Producer.

With ‘Shape of Momo’, Tribeny Rai not only charts her own creative journey but also pioneers a path for future filmmakers from the Northeast and Indian Nepali-speaking communities. Her work is a powerful reminder that compelling, culturally rooted stories from the hills should be part of the global cinematic conversation.