A programme honouring filmmaker, Theja Rio, for his outstanding achievement in the field of cinema was organised by the Government of Nagaland at the State Banquet Hall, Chief Minister’s Residential Complex, Kohima on 30th September 2026.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio described the achievement as a moment of pride for Nagaland and the Naga people, noting that ANGH was Theja Rio’s debut feature film and the only Indian film selected for the Platform Competition at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2026. He said the recognition demonstrated the strength of telling authentic stories rooted in Nagaland’s history, culture and people.
The Chief Minister commended Theja Rio’s journey as a filmmaker, recalling his earlier works Remains and Ade (On a Sunday), which received recognition at international and national film festivals. He added Theja has carried stories rooted in his experience and identity to a wide audience, and with ANGH, a story from Nagaland has reached one of the world's most respected film platforms and has received international recognition.
Dr. Rio on a personal note stated that Theja is his nephew, the son of his younger brother, Medozeu (Jimmy) and his wife Dinuo (Adiü). He noted that he had the privilege of watching his journey over the years and added that he showed confidence, discipline and commitment as a child. He said that his achievement has brought a sense of pride and happiness to people across Nagaland. The Chief Minister congratulated his parents and his family and said they deserve to share the joy and pride of Theja's remarkable achievement.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Producer Nancy Nisa Beso, Executive Producer Gaurav Dhingra, the cast and crew and cinematographer Adam Pietkiewicz, recipient of the TIFF Variety Artisan Award. Dr. Rio particularly highlighted the participation of first-time actors from the interior areas of Nagaland, especially Mon district, describing the journey of Angh from Mon to Toronto as an inspiration for young people. He said the achievement demonstrates that geography need not limit ambition when supported by talent, dedication and perseverance.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged the resilience and growing achievements of the Konyak people and Eastern Nagaland, observing that young Nagas are increasingly making their mark in cinema, music, art, sports, entrepreneurship, technology and other fields.
Referring to ANGH’s journey towards the Academy Awards, Dr. Rio noted that while the film was not selected as India’s official submission, its international recognition and TIFF Platform Prize have provided an independent pathway for consideration in the International Feature Film category.
The Chief Minister said the success of ANGH reflects the growing soft power of Nagaland, with young Nagas increasingly telling their own stories to national and international audiences. He called upon the younger generation to dream boldly while maintaining discipline, courage, patience and perseverance.
Dr. Rio also stressed the Government’s responsibility to create an enabling ecosystem for young people in cinema, music, arts, culture, sports, entrepreneurship and innovation, noting that these sectors can create livelihoods while carrying Nagaland’s identity beyond its borders.
Concluding, the Chief Minister congratulated Theja Rio, Team ANGH, their families and all those associated with the film, expressing hope that the achievement would inspire a new generation of Naga storytellers to dream beyond boundaries and take their stories to the world.
Director of ANGH, Theja Rio in his speech expressed his gratitude for the love and support received by his team. He thanked his parents and family for their constant encouragement and support. He also thanked the Department of Information & Public Relations for organising the felicitation programme. He thanked the Department for the support throughout his journey and added that it has supported him at important moments and hoped that he will be able to repay the act in a meaningful way.
Reflecting on his journey as a film maker, Rio said he had always been a story teller and enjoyed entertaining people as a young kid. As he grew older, he would write songs, and these songs became short stories and it eventually became screenplays. He shared that he began filmmaking in Delhi and soon started making short films alongside filmmakers from around the world, giving him exposure to international filmmaking. Rio described 2019 as a major turning point in his career, when he made the short film Angh. He said the film helped him discover his artistic identity and find his voice as a filmmaker. By rooting his stories in the lives, history and experiences of the Naga people, he said, he was able to develop a distinct cinematic voice.
Underling the success of the short film, Angh from screenings at film festivals across the world, Theja Rio stated that he gained the confidence to write a feature film adaptation of it. He shared that after graduating from the National Film and Television School in UK in 2024, he returned to Nagaland to film his debut feature film.
On the occasion, Theja Rio also extended his appreciation to all the collaborators who couldn’t be present for the felicitation. He acknowledged the numerous forms of support including food, accommodation, transportation and other assistance. He gave his sincere appreciation to the Konyak people for the support, guidance and generosity throughout the filming process. He said their advice on their language, costumes, traditions have helped in ensuring an authentic portrayal of the film. Rio also extended his gratitude shown by the Naga community even during the premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival by turning up in numbers and showing their love and support.
Theja Rio hoped that the success of ANGH becomes a conversation about how to nurture cinema in Nagaland. He also hoped that more stories from Nagaland find way to the rest of the world through cinema. He also said that every time a film from Nagaland travels abroad, it carries a piece of the people- the culture, the struggles, resilience and the dreams. Theja noted that no matter how small the Nagas are, its stories can travel the world and touch people on the other side.
Former President & Founding Member, Film Association of Nagaland (FAN), Kivini Shohe described filmmaker Theja Rio’s achievement with ANGH as a significant moment for Nagaland’s filmmaking fraternity, saying its recognition on the international stage highlights the potential of Naga stories to reach global audiences. She said the achievement went beyond one filmmaker or film, reflecting the determination, courage and talent required to take an indigenous story from Nagaland to an international platform.
Drawing from her filmmaking experience, Kivini highlighted the State’s rich landscapes, traditions, music, oral narratives and communities as largely unexplored opportunities for cinema. However, she noted that filmmakers continue to face challenges such as transportation and logistics, unreliable power supply, movement of crews and equipment to remote areas, high production costs and limited funding. She stressed the need to nurture local filmmakers through filmmaking education, workshops, technical training, production opportunities, film festivals and screening spaces, while strengthening links with the national and international film community.
Kivini also emphasised the importance of Naga filmmakers telling their own stories, noting that local communities carry unique memories, traditions, experiences and perspectives that may not always be fully captured by outsiders. Describing cinema as a cultural archive, a means of expression and an economic activity, she expressed hope that ANGH would continue its international journey and bring further recognition to Nagaland, the Northeast and India, while contributing to a stronger film culture in the State.
Representatives of Konyak Union, Naga Students’ Federation, Eastern Naga Students’ Federation also lauded filmmaker Theja Rio and the team behind Angh for bringing Naga stories to the international stage.
An exclusive trailer of ANGH was screened during the programme. “Theja Rio- The Man Behind the Lens”, a short video on Theja Rio was also shown at the event.
The Departments of Art & Culture, Tourism, and Youth Resources & Sports along with the Angami Public Organisation and Mia by Tanishq in association with TaFMA, among others felicitated Rio in recognition of his achievement.
Other highlights of the programme included felicitation of the director, producer, cast and crew of the film ANGH and a musical performance by Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA).
Director, IPR, Dzüvinuo Theünuo delivering the vote of thanks thanked the Chief Minister and his wife for generously hosting the grand event. She also thanked Theja Rio for availing time despite his busy schedule and gracing the event. She extended her gratitude to Nancy Nisa Beso, the producer of the film for making necessary arrangements for the exclusive trailer screened at the event. Theünuo also thanked all the cast and crew of the film for gracing the occasion with their presence. She appreciated all the participants in the programme and also the attendees including the legislators, senior government officials, family members and well-wishers.
The programme was chaired by Secretary, IPR, Orenthung Lotha, IAS while Dr. Mhalevilie Sote, Associate Pastor of Baptist Revival Church, Kohima, offered the prayer.
Rio’s debut feature film, ANGH, takes place in the 1960s and centers on the lives of a Konyak village chief along with his son who adhere to their ancient traditions despite all that is happening around them. Shot on 16mm, ANGH is a feature-length adaptation of his award-winning 2021 short film. Alongside an indigenous Naga ensemble, the film stars BAFTA Award-winning actor, Douglas Henshall. Theja Rio is the Director, Writer and Producer of the film.
Theja Rio’s debut feature film, ANGH, had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Canada in September 2026. The film won the auteur-focused Platform Prize at TIFF, becoming the first film from India to win the award. Starting in 2026, the winner of the Platform Prize (non-English language) becomes eligible for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film and by winning the Platform Prize at TIFF, ANGH has automatically qualified for consideration in the International Feature Film Category at the 2027 Academy Awards.
(Wepre Kronu, APRO)
