Naga cinema makes historic international breakthrough with Angh at TIFF
Toronto, Sept 21 | EKHON: Naga filmmaker Theja Rio’s debut feature film, Angh, has won the Platform Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF 2026), marking a major international recognition for Naga cinema.
The Platform Prize also gives Angh a direct pathway to submission for consideration in the Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film category under the Academy’s new rules for the 99th Oscars.
The Platform Prize is TIFF’s only juried competition. Announcing the award, the jury said: “The Platform Prize goes to Angh. For its refreshing perspective, strength of filmmaking, and deeply resonant portrait of a world. We praise the filmmaker’s vision, audacity and courage.”
Set in 1960s Nagaland, Angh follows a Konyak chief and his son as they confront cultural change and the erosion of traditional ways of life.
The achievement places a Naga story and a Naga filmmaker on one of the world’s major international film stages, while opening a new route for Angh toward Academy consideration!
