Sikkimese Film ‘Shape of Momo’ wins twin honours at Russian Festival

Sikkimese cinema has earned global recognition as ‘Shape of Momo’ , directed by Tribeny Rai, secured two prestigious awards at the Spirit of Fire International Film Festival in Russia.

The Nepali-language debut feature was honoured with the Silver Taiga Award for Best International Debut Film and the ‘Soul of Russia – World Cinema Special Prize’ , presented by the Roscongress Foundation for its emphasis on cultural preservation and traditional values.

Screened under the International Debut Competition, the film stood out among entries from emerging filmmakers worldwide. The Spirit of Fire International Film Festival, founded in 2003 and held annually in Khanty-Mansiysk, is known for showcasing debut works by new directors and has emerged as a key global platform for discovering fresh cinematic voices.

Accepting the awards, Rai dedicated the recognition to Sikkim and highlighted the growing prominence of the Himalayan state in the international film landscape.

A resident of Nandok in East Sikkim, Rai attended the festival with her mother, Geeta Rai, who also produced the film. She described the moment as particularly meaningful, noting that sharing the achievement with her mother made the recognition more special. Rai also cited her interaction with acclaimed filmmaker Emir Kusturica, who chaired the festival jury, as a personal highlight.

‘Shape of Momo’ is a character-driven narrative rooted in the Himalayan region, exploring themes of identity, migration, and cultural belonging. Through a minimalist and realistic storytelling approach, the film captures everyday life and emotional relationships within a changing social landscape. Its title symbolically reflects cultural roots, drawing from the popular Himalayan dish “momo” to represent shared identity and tradition.

The film is scheduled for its next screening at the Cinema Asia Film Festival in Amsterdam in April, marking its Dutch premiere. Meanwhile, the makers are preparing for an all-India release, with a grand premiere planned in Gangtok as discussions with distributors continue.