Tribeny Rai’s ‘Shape of Momo’ set for India-Nepal release on May 29

DEV DARJEE

GANGTOK,: Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Rai’s much-awaited debut Nepali film ‘Shape of Momo’, after a triumphant run in prestigious international film festivals, is set to be released in India and Nepal on May 29.

Addressing a press meet here on Tuesday, Tribeny shared that the film, which depicts the lives of women across generations within a single family in a heart-warming manner, will be released in select cinema halls across India, especially in Nepali-populated metropolitan cities like Kolkata, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati, North Bengal and Sikkim. She added that the film will also be screened in Nepal from May 29 and shared plans to release it in the Middle East in the near future.

The 115-minute-long ‘Shape of Momo’, directed by Tribeny Rai has already become the “talk of the town” even before its official release for the public. The film has emerged as one of the most celebrated cinematic works from Sikkim, drawing attention from global audiences and critics alike for its unique storytelling and cultural depth.

The Sikkim-made film has so far won 13 national and international awards and honours, and received selection in renowned international film festivals including the Busan International Film Festival, San Sebastián International Film Festival, Kolkata International Film Festival, and Glasgow Film Festival among many others.

Sharing details of her film, Tribeny said, “I have done shooting only in limited areas. The shooting took place in my native places like Nandok, Assam Lingzey, Ranipool and Manipal Hospital, and it took around 40 days to complete. Nearly 90 per cent of the shooting was done at my own home.”

The filmmaker also spoke about the financially stressful production process. She said that she invested her personal savings into the film, while her mother and the film’s producer, Geeta Rai, contributed her retirement fund for the project. She expressed gratitude to all those who supported her throughout the journey and informed that a premiere show would be organised before the film’s release.

Tribeny also expressed her gratitude to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay for his support to the film project. She added that the Chief Minister and the State government has been encouraging and supporting artistes and filmmakers of Sikkim.

“Although the production of the film was almost completed, it was halted during the post-production stage. When I shared this with the Chief Minister, he provided financial assistance from the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Fund. As a result, the entire production work could be completed,” said Tribeny.

Referring to the upcoming Sikkim Kalakar Bharosa Sammelan scheduled for May 14 and 15 for the welfare of artists, she said, “The government has established a strong platform for artists to showcase their talent and gain knowledge through the Sikkim Kalakar Bharosa Sammelan.”

She further said that the recently organised Sikkim International Film Festival had greatly encouraged artists in the State.

When asked about the reason behind the film receiving several awards even before its release, Tribeny said, “I have portrayed the reality and essence of my region. Audiences can relate themselves to some of the characters in the film. That is probably why the film has received awards and encouraging response.”

Explaining the title ‘Shape of Momo’, Tribeny said, “Artists create art through their conscience and skills. A single subject can carry many meanings. Momo is an integral part of our society. I have given priority to the themes of our village and society in the film. In addition, I chose this title to take the film to a global level.”

Highlighting the challenges of filmmaking, she said that making films is a very expensive process. “We need to transform the film sector into an economically viable industry. We need to create an ecosystem that can financially support the industry if someone wants to make films in the future. With government investment, this sector can flourish rapidly,” she added.

Actress Shyamashree Sherpa, one of the main characters in the film, said that ‘Shape of Momo’ will be screened in India and Nepal on May 29 and expressed confidence about its performance in the box office.

Besides Shyamashree, the other main actors in the film are late Bhanu Maya Rai, Gaumaya Gurung, Pashupati Rai, and Rahul Mukhia.

Notably, ‘Shape of Momo’ is backed by Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media and has Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti and Payal Kapadia as executive producers.