Gangtok, August 20, 2025 – Sikkim-based filmmaker Tribeny Rai has achieved a significant milestone in her cinematic journey, with her debut feature film, Shape of Momo, being officially selected for the Vision Section of the 2025 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). BIFF, held annually in Busan, South Korea, is widely regarded as Asia’s most prestigious and influential film festival, known for discovering emerging voices in Asian cinema and connecting them with the global film community.
The Vision Section is one of BIFF’s most celebrated segments, curated specifically to showcase bold, original, and boundary-pushing works by both emerging and mid-career Asian directors. Rai’s Shape of Momo will be screened alongside a select lineup of some of the most innovative contemporary films from across the continent, placing her among the rising creative forces in Asian independent cinema.
Adding to the momentum, Shape of Momo has also been selected for the upcoming San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain this September, one of Europe’s most prestigious film festivals. This dual selection at two major international platforms marks a remarkable breakthrough for Rai, especially as a debut filmmaker from the northeastern region of India, and is expected to significantly amplify the global visibility of her work.
Shape of Momo is already being praised for its unique storytelling, cultural depth, and cinematic sensitivity, with many anticipating it will offer a fresh narrative perspective rooted in the Eastern Himalayas. While details about the plot remain under wraps, the film is believed to explore themes of identity, memory, and belonging, using local cultural elements — including the iconic momo — as symbolic storytelling tools.
The film’s growing international acclaim also highlights the emerging influence of Northeast Indian voices in global cinema. Rai’s achievement is not just a personal success but also a significant moment for women filmmakers, independent cinema, and stories from underrepresented regions of India.
As anticipation builds ahead of its official screenings, Shape of Momo is being seen as a defining debut, and Tribeny Rai is quickly gaining attention as a new and powerful voice in the world of independent film.
