Friday, Nov 14, 2025 22:30 [IST]
Last Update: Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 16:55 [IST]
GANGTOK,: Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Rai’s debut Nepali feature film ‘Shape of Momo’ has won the Golden Royal Bengal Tiger Award at the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) 2025.
The national award, presented on Thursday, honours the Best Film in the Indian Languages Competition category at the prestigious international festival. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh and the Golden Royal Bengal Tiger trophy.
Accepting the award, Tribeny Rai expressed her gratitude to the jury and organisers for recognising her debut work. She also extended heartfelt thanks to her cast and crew for their contribution to the film’s success.
In her brief address, the Sikkimese filmmaker acknowledged the support of the Government of Sikkim and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, saying, “My debut film would not have been possible without their encouragement and support. I would like to thank the Hon’ble Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay from this prestigious platform.”
The award marks a triumphant return to Kolkata for Tribeny Rai, who is a former student of the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata. She completed her studies there in 2015, exactly a decade before her winning moment at KIFF 2025.
The festival concluded on Thursday (November 13).
‘Shape of Momo’ tells the story of Bishnu and her multi-generational family of women as they navigate societal norms in a traditional Himalayan village. The film explores themes of identity, family bonds, and the courage to challenge expectations.
Following its KIFF success, ‘Shape of Momo’ will next compete for the Silver Peacock Award for Best Debut Feature Film of a Director at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 in Goa.
Tribeny Rai has also been nominated in the Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film category at the IFFI 2025, which will be held from November 20 to 28.
