Sikkim’s ‘Shape of Momo’ Set for Global Debut at San Sebastián International Film Festival 2025

KalimNews | Gangtok | August 8, 2025  : In a landmark moment for Indian Nepali-language cinema and Himalayan storytelling, Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Rai’s debut feature film Shape of Momo (Nepali title: Chhora Jastai) has been officially selected for the prestigious San Sebastián International Film Festival 2025 in Spain. The film will be showcased in the ‘New Directors’ section, known globally for spotlighting the most promising first- and second-time filmmakers from across the world.

This official selection places Sikkim and the Indian Nepali-speaking community firmly on the international cinematic map. The San Sebastián festival, scheduled from September 20 to 28, is one of Europe’s oldest and most respected film events, previously instrumental in launching the careers of filmmakers like Oscar-winner Bong Joon-ho. This year, Shape of Momo is among 14 debut or sophomore films selected from 11 countries.

Tribeny Rai, 33, hails from Nandok in East Sikkim and is a proud alumna of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata, where she specialized in Direction and Screenplay Writing. Her journey from Sikkim’s hills to international acclaim is both a personal triumph and a beacon of inspiration for emerging filmmakers from the Northeast and India’s culturally rich yet underrepresented regions.

Speaking about the honour, Rai shared that the film was born from a deep, personal desire to narrate stories rooted in her home. “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,” she said. The filmmaker has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Sikkim state government and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay for their support during the project’s development and voiced hope for continued backing as the film heads for its world premiere.

Set in the villages of Nandok and Assam Lingzey in Sikkim, Shape of Momo follows the story of Bishnu, a young woman navigating the complexities of family and societal expectations while living in a household of women. Gaumaya Gurung portrays the lead character in the 114-minute-long film, which explores themes of autonomy, resistance, and cultural identity in a subtle yet powerful manner. Rai described the story as one about a woman who dares to think and decide for herself, even when overwhelmed by pressures to conform.

The film has already garnered global attention, having made appearances at the Cannes Film Festival film market and the Hong Kong International Film Market earlier in 2025. It was first conceptualized at the Fajr International Film Festival talent camp in Tehran, Iran, in 2019, with production eventually starting in January 2024.

Shape of Momo is a co-production between Dalley Khorsani Production (Sikkim), Kathkala Films (Delhi), and Aizoa Pictures (South Korea). Adding further credibility to the project is the involvement of renowned producer Mike Goodridge, known for the Oscar-nominated and Cannes-winning film Triangle of Sadness, who joins the team as Executive Producer. Talks are underway with additional international investors, indicating growing confidence in the film’s artistic and commercial potential.

Rai’s selection at San Sebastián is a significant milestone not only for her own career but also for Sikkim’s burgeoning film scene and the broader Indian Nepali and Himalayan storytelling traditions. The inclusion in the ‘New Directors’ section highlights the power of local narratives in resonating with global audiences, emphasizing the universal appeal of deeply personal, culturally specific storytelling.

As the official invitation was received on Tuesday, Rai and her team are now making arrangements to attend the festival in Spain. “We’ve received the invitation, but the logistics still need to be arranged,” she confirmed.

This achievement has already drawn admiration from across the spectrum, with the BJP Sikkim unit publicly lauding Rai for her contribution to elevating the state’s cinematic profile. The party commended her relentless pursuit of excellence and for bringing international recognition to both Sikkim and the Indian Nepali film industry.

The selection of Shape of Momo for San Sebastián International Film Festival 2025 stands as a historic moment. It underscores the potential of culturally rooted films to find global audiences and paves the way for future filmmakers from India’s Northeast and other marginalized communities to be heard on prestigious international platforms. As Rai prepares to represent India and Sikkim in Spain this September, the pride and excitement back home are palpable.

Her story reaffirms the growing global recognition of independent Indian cinema that stays true to its roots, and her success promises to open new doors for narratives from the hills to reach hearts across continents.