Rarely seen on screen, Nagaland is now in the Oscars race thanks to Angh

Angh, a film based on the experiences of the Konyak Naga tribe in Nagaland, has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Despite rarely appearing on screen, Nagaland has made its mark in the Oscars race thanks to this remarkable story. Theja Rio, a 31-year-old Naga filmmaker, brought his debut feature to life, making history as the first Indian film to win the Platform Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

This achievement has earned Angh a place in the race for Best International Feature Film at the 2027 Academy Awards, marking a significant milestone for the region.

Set in the early 1960s, Angh tells the story of Anghba, an aging Konyak village chief, and his son as they grapple with the arrival of a Christian missionary and the ensuing changes to their traditional way of life. The film delves into the complexities of a community caught between generations, as familiar customs gradually fade and new ideas reshape their understanding of the world.

Rio's exploration of this narrative was inspired by a visit to Nagaland's Mon district three years prior, where he encountered the last of the traditional tattooed faces amidst a rapidly modernizing society.

The film's international recognition is particularly meaningful to Rio, who grew up never seeing Nagaland represented in any form of media. "I've never seen Nagaland in a film before or in a series before," he shares. "And very often, every time you introduce yourself, you're getting into the backdrops of where you come from and then you're having to describe geographically where exactly it is."

Rio's passion for Naga culture and the universal themes of change and identity have resonated deeply with audiences, sparking a wave of pride and celebration upon the film's return to Nagaland.

As the film's impact continues to grow, Rio remains grateful for the support and recognition it has received. The response has exceeded his expectations, with the film attracting interest from across India and beyond. For Rio, the film's success is a testament to the power of storytelling in representing the complexities of cultural preservation and the human experience in the face of rapid change.