Nagaland filmmaker Theja Rio’s feature debut “Angh” has achieved a remarkable feat by winning Platform Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
From being selected for the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to winning an award at the same event, Nagaland filmmaker Theja Rio’s feature debut “Angh” has achieved a remarkable feat—an extraordinary accomplishment by any standard. It beat 11 competing films from across the world to win the coveted Platform Prize. The jury headed by Argentine filmmaker Pablo Trapero was all praise for the “filmmaker’s vision, audacity and courage”, attributing the win to “its refreshing perspective, strength of filmmaking, and deeply resonant portrait of a world”. This recognition is something to be reckoned with. It has brought laurels to the country and placed the Northeast on the global film map. For Nagaland, this is a historic moment, as it is the first Naga film to win the TIFF Platform Prize. Making this recognition even more special, “Angh” can now vie for the Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards 2027. To be nominated for an Oscar is, in itself, a big achievement—another first for a Naga film. And more could be in store for this Theja Rio-directed film.
"Angh" perfectly exemplifies the saying that art knows no boundaries. Set in 1960s Nagaland, the film revolves around an ageing Konyak village chief, after whom it is named, and his son, who cling to their ancestral faith and way of life amid a changing world. Apart from showcasing a culture unknown to the outside world, the film features an indigenous language known only to a small population in Nagaland. Yet it resonated with audiences from countries with completely different cultures, and lifestyles. This proves that powerful storytelling and art transcend cultural differences and language barriers. It also demonstrates that the Northeast, which is known for its rich cultural heritage, has the potential to take the world cinema by storm with its untold stories--folklores and folktales—rooted in the region. This potential remains untapped to this day due to a lack of individuals who have the passion to translate beautiful stories into visual art. The story is expected to take a different turn from now. The success of "Angh" should open the floodgates of award-winning movies from the region, particularly Nagaland--an entertainment-starved state, which stands in stark contrast to the fun-loving nature of its people. Rio’s movie could not have come at a better time, as the film industry in the state is still in its nascent stage, despite the introduction of the Nagaland Film Policy 2024 aimed at boosting its growth. This film should mark a watershed moment for the industry, a testament to the sweat and tears behind every great piece of art.