The Struggle For Representation In Cinema | Tribeny Rai | Ep 286 | The Mohua Show

What does it take for a filmmaker from a small village in Sikkim to create a story that resonates with audiences around the world?

In this episode of The Mohua Show, host Mohua Chinappa sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Tribeny Rai, whose debut Nepali feature film Shape of Momo has earned international recognition at prestigious film festivals, including Busan International Film Festival and San Sebastián International Film Festival.

This conversation goes far beyond cinema. Tribeny shares her journey from Sikkim to the global stage while reflecting on identity, representation, belonging, and the lived experiences of people from Northeast India. Together, they explore why many young people from the Northeast often feel disconnected from mainstream Bollywood narratives, the rise of a new generation of Northeast storytellers, and how authentic storytelling can bridge cultural divides.

From discussions on migration and discrimination to the invisible emotional labor women carry every day, this episode offers powerful insights into contemporary India through the lens of cinema and personal experience.