Mumbai, Jan 17: Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Rai has brought pride to Sikkim and the Northeast by winning the prestigious Dr. V. Shantaram Debut Director Award at the 22nd Third Eye Asian Film Festival for her debut feature film Shape of Momo. The achievement marks a significant milestone for regional cinema and highlights the growing recognition of filmmakers from the Northeast on national and international platforms.
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| Tribeny Rai |
Shape of Momo was selected in the Indian Competition Section of the festival and stood out among entries from across the country. The award recognizes outstanding directorial talent and is considered one of the most respected honours for emerging filmmakers in India.
Adding to the film’s success, actor Gaumaya Gurung received the Jury Award for Best Actor (Female) for her powerful and nuanced performance in the film. The awards were accepted on behalf of Tribeny Rai and Gaumaya Gurung by the film’s cinematographer Archana Ghangrekar during the festival’s closing ceremony in Mumbai. The honours were presented by Kiran V. Shantaram, Chairman of the Asian Film Foundation.
Expressing her gratitude, Tribeny Rai said the entire team was delighted by the recognition received at the festival. She noted that the success of Shape of Momo demonstrates the creative potential of filmmakers from smaller states and hoped that the film’s journey would inspire more young people from Sikkim to pursue careers in cinema and storytelling.
The recognition at the Third Eye Asian Film Festival adds to the film’s growing list of achievements on the international stage. Earlier, Shape of Momo won the Jury Award at the Jaffna International Cinema Festival and was nominated for the prestigious Ingmar Bergman International Debut Award 2026 at the Göteborg International Film Festival in Sweden.
The film is also scheduled for screenings at upcoming festivals in France and India, further expanding its international reach. Tribeny Rai said she is eager to bring Shape of Momo back to audiences in Sikkim and North Bengal, describing the film’s journey as both humbling and encouraging.
The success of Shape of Momo reflects the growing prominence of Northeast Indian cinema and its increasing ability to connect with audiences around the world.
