Award-winning filmmaker Theja Rio, director of Angh, received a warm reception from the Angami Krotho Delhi (AKD) and well-wishers at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, on Tuesday, following his return from Toronto after the film’s historic achievement at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Rio was welcomed by AKD president Pelhu Dolie and members of the organisation after Angh won the prestigious Platform Award at TIFF. The achievement marks a significant milestone for Naga cinema, with Angh becoming the first Naga film to win the Platform Prize at the international film festival.
According to a press release Angh, Rio’s feature directorial debut, was the only Indian film selected for TIFF’s Platform Competition this year. The section is one of the festival’s major competitive programmes, recognising distinctive directorial voices and contemporary cinematic storytelling.
Rio described the recognition as a special moment for him and everyone associated with the film. He said the film was made with love for the place he comes from, his people and their culture, adding that it was rare for a debut film to receive such recognition.
FAN, LJP (RV) congratulate ‘Angh’ team on Platform Prize
The Film Association of Nagaland (FAN) congratulated Rio, producer Nancy Nisa Beso and the entire cast and crew of Angh on the achievement. In its statement, FAN described the award as an important milestone for Nagaland cinema and said the recognition demonstrated the potential of stories rooted in the state’s land, people, culture and lived experiences to connect with audiences on the global stage.
FAN also said the success of Angh marks an important chapter in the development of Nagaland’s film industry and expressed hope that the achievement would encourage emerging filmmakers and artists across the state.
In a separate congratulatory statement, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president, Richard Humtsoe also extended his congratulations to Rio and the Angh team, describing the Platform Prize as a historic achievement for Nagaland and the Naga community. He said the film has brought Naga stories, culture and creative expression before an international audience and could inspire young filmmakers and other creative talents.
Set against the backdrop of 1960s Nagaland, Angh follows an ageing Konyak village chief and his son, who remain among the last people holding on to their ancestral faith and way of life as their world undergoes profound change. The film explores themes of tradition, faith, family, memory and cultural transformation.
Shot on 16 mm film, Angh features an indigenous Naga cast alongside BAFTA-winning actor Douglas Henshall. The film is produced by Nancy Nisa Beso and Theja Rio and is represented internationally and domestically for distribution by Jungle Book Studio.
Following its Platform Competition victory, Angh is eligible for consideration in the International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.
