India, May 30 -- Filmmaker Reema Kagti has not just made films that champion the little guy, but has lent her voice and backing to small, independent films as well. She recently executive produced Shape of Momo, a Nepali-language Sikkimese film, which released in theatres this week. Ahead of the film's release, Reema sat down with Hindustan Times to discuss the representation of North East India in mainstream cinema, the ecosystem for small films in the country, and changes she wants to see.

Reema hails from Assam, and she admits that one of the reasons she decided to back Shape of Momo is because it tells the story of the people of North East with a native lens. "Being from the North East, it's refreshing to know there is good stuff com...