Gangtok, March 19: Sikkimese film Shape of Momo has earned international recognition by securing two awards at the Spirit of Fire International Film Festival held in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, where it competed in the International Debut Competition.
Directed by Tribeny Rai, the Nepali-language film won the Silver Taiga Award for Best International Debut Film on March 16. It also received the Soul of Russia – World Cinema Special Prize from the Roscongress Foundation for its emphasis on preserving traditional and cultural values.
Accepting the awards, Rai dedicated the recognition to Sikkim, noting that the achievement comes at a significant time as the state prepares to host its own International Film Festival from March 19. She attended the event along with her mother, Geeta Rai, who produced the film, describing the win as a memorable and special moment.
Rai also highlighted her interaction with renowned filmmaker Emir Kusturica, who served as the president of the festival jury, as a personal highlight of her visit.
Hailing from Nandok in East Sikkim, Rai had earlier participated in the VGIK International Summer School in Russia in 2016, where she directed a short film.
Founded in 2003, the festival is known for showcasing debut works by emerging filmmakers worldwide. Shape of Momo is next scheduled to be screened at the Cinema Asia Film Festival in Amsterdam in April, marking its Dutch premiere. The makers are also planning an all-India release, with a premiere set to be held in Gangtok, while discussions with distributors are ongoing.
