Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Geeta Rai’s debut feature Shape of Momo has won two prestigious awards — the Taipei Film Commission Award and the Songwon Vision Award — at the Busan International Film Festival, earning international recognition for the Nepali-language film.

Shape of Momo follows the story of Bishnu, a young woman who returns to her Himalayan village after leaving her job, navigating family expectations and the tension between traditional norms and personal freedom. Rai described the film as a reflection of her own experiences after returning to her village, Nandok in East Sikkim, following her studies at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI).

“Busan gave our work credibility and visibility. It is special for a Sikkimese film in Nepali to reach such a diverse audience across Asia,” Rai said, expressing her joy over the recognition. She highlighted that the film explores themes of gender, class, and the struggle for personal autonomy, emphasizing that cinema captures life’s smaller moments that reveal broader truths.

The film was created in collaboration with alumni from SRFTI and FTII, with filmmaker Kislay serving as co-writer, co-editor, and producer. Despite its success, Rai acknowledged the challenges faced by independent filmmakers in Sikkim, particularly in securing funding and post-release distribution.

Rai, who developed an early love for storytelling through reading and watching Doordarshan, said she plans to continue exploring human experiences in her future projects.