Nagaland's 'Angh' Triumphs at Toronto International Film Festival
Celebrating a Historic Win
The film was the only Indian entry selected for TIFF's Platform Competition this year where it won the top prize on Sunday. (Photo: 'X'/@Neiphiu_Rio)
New Delhi, Sep 21: The film 'Angh', directed by Theja Rio and set in Nagaland, has achieved a remarkable feat by winning the prestigious Platform Competition at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2026. This victory secures the film a spot in the International Feature Film category for the upcoming 2027 Oscars.
As the sole Indian entry in this year's TIFF Platform Competition, 'Angh' clinched the top award on Sunday.
The Platform section of TIFF is renowned for showcasing bold directorial visions and unique storytelling, making it one of the festival's most esteemed competitive categories.
Starting this year, the winner of the Platform Competition is granted automatic eligibility for the Academy Awards' International Feature Film category.
Set in the 1960s, 'Angh' narrates the story of an aging Konyak village chief and his son, who strive to preserve their ancestral beliefs and lifestyle amidst significant societal changes.
Theja Rio adapted this feature from his 2021 short film of the same name.
Filmed on 16mm and featuring an Indigenous Naga cast alongside BAFTA-winning actor Douglas Henshall, the movie delves into themes of tradition, faith, family, memory, and cultural evolution.
Produced by Nancy Nisa Beso and Theja Rio, 'Angh' is represented for distribution by Jungle Book Studio, which secured its international sales rights prior to its world premiere at TIFF.
Rio expressed his gratitude, stating, "This is a significant moment for me and everyone involved with the film. It's uncommon for a debut film to receive such recognition. We created 'Angh' with immense love for my homeland, my people, and our culture.
"The film centers on the bond between a father and son, while also exploring themes of letting go, our connection to home, and the fleeting nature of life. These universal emotions resonate with everyone. Witnessing 'Angh' connect with audiences beyond our community has been profoundly touching," Rio, 31, remarked after the film's victory.
Producer Beso added, "My partnership with Theja has been one of the most significant and enduring collaborations of my career. We have nurtured 'Angh' from its short film origins to this feature, firmly believing in the necessity of telling this story on our own terms."
Executive producer Gaurav Dhingra shared, "Upon viewing the initial footage of 'Angh', I recognized its rarity—a film rooted in Nagaland, crafted by Indigenous filmmakers, showcasing a community's voice on a global platform. Winning the Platform Competition and gaining direct access to the Oscars' International Feature Film category is a moment of pride for 'Angh', its creators, Nagaland, India, and independent cinema as a whole.”
Dhingra, who has supported films like 'Peddlers', 'Faith Connections', 'Stolen', and 'Angry Indian Goddesses', expressed pride in connecting a deeply rooted narrative with a worldwide audience.