Press Release |
‘Shape of Momo’, the widely acclaimed debut Nepali film from Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Rai, had its European premiere at the prestigious San Sebastián Film Festival 2025 on Thursday (September 25).
Tribeny Rai attended the premiere with lead actors Gaumaya Gurung and Shyama Shree Sherpa, and music composer Mikhail Achik Arak.
The 114-minute film received an overwhelming response from the audience, who rose to their feet in a standing ovation for the director and cast at the end of the screening.
“It’s surreal to watch a story rooted in my village and language receive such warmth from an international audience. San Sebastián is one of the most respected film festivals in the world, and sharing my debut film ‘Shape of Momo’ here is beyond anything I had imagined for my debut. Coming from a small Himalayan village, this moment is incredibly meaningful – not just for me, but for the stories and voices that often go unheard,” Tribeny Rai shared.
Last week, the global premiere of Shape of Momo was held at the 2025 Busan International Film Festival, attended by director Tribeny Rai, co-producers Geeta Rai and Kislay, along with members of the cast.
Shot in Tribeny’s native villages of Nandok and Assam Lingzey, the Nepali-language film ‘Shape of Momo’ explores the experiences of women navigating and negotiating social norms across generations.
The film has received high praise from international media attending its screening at the Busan International Film Festival. Critics have described it as “a film that honours women whose strength changes the world in subtle but meaningful ways,” and “a powerful film that listens closely to the hidden struggles of women living within the limits of tradition.”
Tribeny hails from Nandok, East Sikkim and has won multiple awards for her previous short films, after graduating from Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Kolkata. ‘Shape of Momo’ is her debut feature film marking a significant moment not just for her career, but also for Sikkim and Himalayan storytelling on the global cinema map.
