Gangtok, August 20: Independent filmmaker Tribeny Rai from Sikkim has achieved a major international milestone as her debut feature film, Shape of Momo, has been officially selected for the prestigious Vision Section of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) 2025, one of the most renowned and influential film festivals in Asia.
The selection marks a significant achievement not only for Rai but also for the growing independent cinema movement emerging from Northeast India. Held annually in Busan, South Korea, BIFF is widely regarded as Asia’s largest film festival and is known for introducing bold new voices and innovative storytelling to global audiences.
The Vision Section is dedicated to showcasing original and daring works from independent Asian cinema, featuring films by promising emerging talents as well as accomplished mid-career filmmakers. By securing a place in this highly competitive section, Shape of Momo has positioned Tribeny Rai among a new generation of filmmakers making a mark on the international stage.
Adding to its growing global recognition, the film has also been selected for screening at the San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain later this September. The inclusion in two prestigious international festivals reflects the film’s artistic merit and its appeal to audiences beyond India.
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Tribeny Rai, who hails from Sikkim, is a graduate in Direction and Screenplay Writing from the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI). Over the years, she has been recognised for her distinctive storytelling style and commitment to exploring unique narratives rooted in local realities and human experiences.
Expressing her excitement over the achievement, Rai described the selection as a dream come true and a powerful beginning to her journey as a feature filmmaker. She said the recognition demonstrates that stories from the Northeast can resonate with audiences across cultures and borders.
Film enthusiasts and cultural observers have welcomed the news, describing it as a proud moment for Sikkim and the wider Northeastern region. The success of Shape of Momo is being seen as another step forward in bringing the region’s voices, stories, and cinematic talent to international platforms.
As Shape of Momo prepares for its world festival run, the achievement underscores the growing prominence of Northeast Indian cinema and highlights the potential of independent filmmakers from the region to contribute meaningfully to global filmmaking.
