Shape of Momo Brings a Powerful Himalayan Women’s Story to America
Actress Gaumaya Gurung is heading to the United States for the Nepal-America International Film Festival 2026, where her acclaimed film ‘Shape of Momo’, also titled ‘Chhora Jastai’, will open the festival in Maryland.
The festival, organized by the Nepal America Film Society, will be held from June 25 to 28, 2026, at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center and Greenbelt Cinema in Maryland. NAIFF has officially selected Shape of Momo as its opening film, making the screening a special moment for the film’s team and the Nepali-speaking creative community.
Gurung, who plays the lead role in the film, said she is excited to attend the festival and meet members of the Nepali Diaspora, filmmakers, and cinema lovers in the United States. The film also features Pashupati Rai, Shyama Shree Sherpa, Rahul Mukhia, and Janaki Kadayat in key roles.
“I am grateful for the enthusiasm and positive response the film has received since the beginning. It is a special achievement for us that Shape of Momo has been selected as the opening film of the festival. I am even more excited to meet diaspora audiences and participate in this event,” Gurung said.
Directed by Tribeny Rai, Shape of Momo follows Bishnu, a woman who returns to her Himalayan village after leaving her job and finds herself confronting family pressure, social expectations, patriarchy, identity, and the desire for personal freedom.
The San Sebastián International Film Festival describes the film as a story of a woman forced to choose between tradition and independence.
Award-Winning Shape of Momo to Open NAIFF 2026 with Gaumaya Gurung
Set in Sikkim, the film explores the emotional world of women across generations. Through silence, family relationships, inherited pain, and quiet resistance, it presents a deeply human story rooted in Nepali-speaking Himalayan culture.
Gurung believes festivals like NAIFF are important platforms for connecting Nepali stories with international audiences.
“Festivals like this are important platforms that connect Nepali art, culture, and stories with the international community. I hope more work will be done around Diaspora narratives and that our creative network will continue to grow stronger,” she added.
Shape of Momo has already built a strong international festival journey. The film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival 2025, where it won the Songwon Vision Award and the Taipei Film Commission Award. It was also screened at the San Sebastián International Film Festival, further strengthening its presence on the global festival circuit.
For Gurung, the NAIFF appearance comes at a time when her international profile is steadily rising. In 2024, she was selected for Berlinale Talents, the talent development platform of the Berlin International Film Festival. Her profile on Berlinale Talents lists her as a Nepali actor and screenwriter and credits her work in films including Shape of Momo, Rajagunj, MahaJatra, Fulbari, Kabbadi 4, and Gurkha Beneath the Bravery.
With Shape of Momo opening NAIFF 2026, Gaumaya Gurung’s participation is expected to add star presence to the festival while bringing a powerful Himalayan women-led story closer to Nepali diaspora audiences in America.
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