Filmmaker Theja Rio, whose debut feature Angh won the Platform Jury Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), was felicitated by the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) at a reception held at Dimapur Airport, Chümoukedima, on September 29.
Angh, which had its world premiere at TIFF, became the first Indian film to win the festival’s Platform Prize. The award has also made the film eligible for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category at the 2027 Academy Awards.
Rio said Angh was deeply rooted in Naga culture and was made by people from Nagaland for its people. He said the film took nearly two years to produce, while its writing began almost five years ago, with the first draft completed in 2021 and filming undertaken in 2024.
Acknowledging the cast and crew, Rio thanked the people of Nagaland for their support, particularly acknowledging the Konyak community. He said that although Nagaland did not have a formal film industry, it had an “industry of love and support” for its people.
Rio dedicated Angh to the people of Nagaland and said the journey would continue with the film’s Oscar campaign.
AYO president Petevito Nakhro congratulated Rio and said the reception was a celebration of his achievement, hard work and dedication. Chakhroma Public Organisation vice president Sebastian Zumvu said Angh reflected the historical experiences and social transition of the Naga people and appreciated Rio for preserving such experiences through cinema.
Messages of appreciation were also conveyed by Kenilo Kent of the Naga Students’ Federation and Molo Phom of the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation.
AYO general secretary Vipu Zashumo delivered the welcome address, while AYO press secretary Vitsikolie Kehie proposed the vote of thanks.
State government to honour Theja Rio, Angh team on September 30
The Nagaland State Government will honour Rio and the Angh cast and crew at a felicitation programme at the State Banquet Hall, Chief Minister’s Residential Complex, Kohima, at 6 p.m. on September 30.
The programme will be attended by the Chief Minister, Ministers, Advisors, MLAs and senior government officials, along with representatives of the film fraternity and well-wishers.
