In an effort to challenge the perception of women as weak, female director Tribeny Rai once engaged in strenuous labor in her hometown of Sikkim, India. Despite her drastic actions, she realized that the deep-rooted issues of patriarchy and traditional gender biases persisted, influencing societal norms such as male dominance in decision-making, preference for male offspring, and women's own perceptions of their roles.
Rai's latest film, "The Shape of Momo," takes a gentler approach to addressing these issues. The movie follows the story of a woman who quits her job to return to her family, plagued by the deaths of several male members. Upon her return, she discovers that the women in the family lack motivation and initiative, prompting her to empower them to embrace independence and take charge of their own lives.
"The movie delves into topics like tradition, family relationships, and the battle against familial restrictions. Will protagonist Bishnu break away from these norms and create her own journey towards freedom? Or will she yield to the intense pressure to follow the crowd?" Rai inquires. "The film 'The Shape of Momo' is in its final editing stages, seeking post-production funding. It will be showcased at the Work-in-Progress Lab during Film Bazaar to connect with industry professionals for potential co-production, sales, distribution, and festival opportunities. The project involves Dalley Khorsani Productions and Kathkala Films from India and Nepal", Rai told Variety.
The project was part of the 2022 Festival des 3 Continents’ Produire au Sud Film Lab. Rai has a diverse background in film education, including studies in India, Russia, and participation in various film programs in Kathmandu and Iran. Kislay Kislay, the film’s co-writer and editor, previously worked on "Soni," which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2018.