Sikkim’s emerging filmmaker, Tribeny Rai, is making waves in the film industry with her debut feature, Shape of Momo. The Nepali film, which is shot entirely in her home state of Sikkim, has been selected for the prestigious Work-in-Progress Lab at the National Film Development Corporation of India’s (NFDC) Film Bazaar 2024. The event, which runs from November 20-28 alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, is a significant milestone in Rai’s career. Shape of Momo is one of only six films chosen for the NFDC’s Work-in-Progress Lab, a platform designed to support South Asian filmmakers by providing expert feedback and networking opportunities. The film’s narrative revolves around Bishnu and her multi-generational family of women navigating the constraints of a patriarchal society, exploring themes of identity, freedom, and cultural challenges.
Rai’s selection for the lab has garnered attention from major publications such as Hindustan Times and Variety, further highlighting the film’s potential. Rai shared her excitement about the lab’s transformative impact, stating, “The expert feedback will be crucial to shaping our film’s final version. The lab’s access to producers, distributors, and festival programmers is invaluable for our film’s journey.”
Since its inception in 2008, the NFDC Work-in-Progress Lab has helped several South Asian films gain international recognition, with past selections like Lipstick Under My Burkha and Ship of Theseus going on to critical acclaim. Rai, an award-winning short filmmaker, also represented India at the 29th Busan International Film Festival, showcasing her promise in the global film community. She is enthusiastic about the lab’s resources, including post-production support and potential funding, which she believes will help elevate Shape of Momo to its fullest potential.