Tribeny Rai’s ‘Shape of Momo’ sweeps three awards at two American film festivals

GANGTOK, : Tribeny Rai’s ‘Shape of Momo’ accomplished an incredible feat on April 27, 2026 - winning three awards at two American film festivals on the same day.

The film became the first in the Indie Meme Film Festival’s 11-year run to win both the Best Jury Award and the Audience Choice Award for Best Narrative Film in Austin, Texas, and on the very same day, took home the Grand Jury Prize at the 24th Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles.

The Indie Meme jury recognised the Sikkimese director’s debut Nepali feature film for its “originality, artistic courage, and ability to transform personal reflection into a universally affecting experience.” At IFFLA, the jury honoured it for delicately charting a protagonist’s journey through the complexities of class and gender in a place steeped in tradition.

‘Shape of Momo’ is one of the most celebrated South Asian independent films of the year, and with a theatrical release on the horizon, the momentum couldn’t be better.

“A film from the hills has found resonance across the world. We are humbled by this honour and more eager than ever to bring it home. We are coming to theatres very soon and there are so many good things in the pipeline,” said director Tribeny Rai.