Nagaland Film by Theja Rio Wins TIFF Platform Award, Enters Oscar Consideration

Nagaland Film by Theja Rio Wins TIFF Platform Award, Enters Oscar Consideration

Theja Rio’s debut feature Angh has emerged as a major international film festival success after winning the Platform Competition at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. The Nagaland-set film is now eligible for consideration in the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, although it is not an Oscar nominee at this stage. Under the Academy’s 2026 rules, winning TIFF’s Platform Award provides a route for a non-English-language film to enter consideration in the category.

Set in the early 1960s near the Indo-Burma border, Angh follows Anghba, the last surviving chief of a deserted village, who remains there with his ailing wife and young son. The arrival of an American missionary gradually changes the family’s world, as Anghba’s son becomes attracted to new beliefs and material possibilities. The film explores cultural change, faith, identity, home and the difficult process of letting go.

The cast includes Anghlong Konyak, Douglas Henshall, Sobino Rengma, Genpai Konyak, Amah Konyak and Wangton Konyak. Rio co-wrote the screenplay with James Davis. The feature expands on Rio’s earlier short film of the same name, which received recognition at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival.

The film’s TIFF victory gives a story rooted in Naga culture an international platform while marking a significant milestone for Rio’s first feature. The 99th Oscars are scheduled for March 14, 2027.

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Published: Sep 21, 2026

cricket blog team

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