Mokokchung (Nagaland), September 21 (Nokinketer News): Angh, the feature directorial debut of Nagaland filmmaker Theja Rio, has won the Platform Competition at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), earning automatic eligibility for consideration in the International Feature Film category at the 2027 Academy Awards.
The film was the only Indian entry in this year’s 12-film Platform competition, one of TIFF’s premier competitive sections for distinctive directorial voices. The award was announced on Sunday.
Set in Nagaland in the early 1960s, Angh follows an ageing Konyak village chief and his son as they confront profound changes to their ancestral faith, traditions and way of life. Shot on 16mm, the film features an Indigenous Naga cast alongside BAFTA-winning actor Douglas Henshall.
The film explores themes of cultural transformation, faith, memory, family and the relationship with home. Its story centres on the changing relationship between generations as an older way of life comes under pressure from new social and religious influences.
The Platform jury praised the film for its distinctive perspective and filmmaking, describing it as a resonant portrait of a changing world and commending Rio’s vision and courage. Angh also received a CAD 20,000 cash prize.
Reacting to the award, Rio said the recognition was significant for him and the team behind the film. He said Angh was made out of affection for his homeland, people and culture, while its central father-son relationship also explores universal themes of letting go, home and the transient nature of life.
“To see Angh connect with audiences beyond our own community has been deeply moving,” Rio said, expressing gratitude to the jury for recognising the film and providing an opportunity to represent India and Naga culture on an international platform.
Producer Nancy Nisa Beso said the project had evolved from a short film into a feature over several years, with the team remaining committed to telling the story on its own terms. She credited the cast, crew and supporters whose contributions helped bring the film to completion.
Executive producer Gaurav Dhingra described the award as an important moment for Angh, its filmmakers and independent cinema. He said the film’s success also marked the beginning of Jungle Book Studio’s international sales and distribution journey.
Produced by Nancy Nisa Beso and Theja Rio, Angh is represented internationally and domestically by Jungle Book Studio, which acquired its sales rights ahead of its TIFF world premiere.
The TIFF Platform win gives Angh a direct route to consideration in the Academy Awards’ International Feature Film category. It does not, however, make the film an Oscar nominee at this stage; further selection will be determined through the Academy’s process.
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