Internationally acclaimed film ANGH's cast & crew felicitated
REGIONAL: A programme honouring filmmaker Theja Rio for his exceptional achievements in cinema was held by the Government of Nagaland at the State Banquet Hall in Kohima Wednesday. Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio praised Theja's accomplishment highlighting the pride it brings to Nagaland.
He attributed that ANGH, Theja's debut feature film, is the only Indian film selected for the Platform Competition at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Dr Rio mentioned that this recognition underscores the importance of authentic storytelling rooted in Nagaland’s culture and history.
The Chief Minister reflected on Theja's journey in filmmaking, recalling his prior works, Remains and Ade (On a Sunday), which achieved acclaim at various film festivals. He cited Theja’s ability to convey personal narratives that resonate with both national and international audiences marking ANGH's international recognition as a significant milestone for Nagaland’s representation on global platforms.
Personalising the moment, Dr Rio noted that Theja is his nephew, sharing pride in his achievements alongside their family.
Despite ANGH not being selected as India's official submission for the Academy Awards, Dr Rio pointed out that its recognition at TIFF offers an alternative avenue for consideration in the International Feature Film category. He characterized the success of ANGH as indicative of Nagaland's rising soft power and encouraged the youth to aspire courageously, highlighting the importance of persistence and discipline.
Chief Minister reiterated the government's duty to cultivate an environment that supports young talents in film, music, arts, sports, and entrepreneurship, thereby enhancing Nagaland’s cultural export.
In his remarks, Theja expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, especially his parents, for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the Department of Information & Public Relations for facilitating the celebration and assisting throughout his filmmaking journey.
While reflecting on his progression as a storyteller, Theja shared that his passion for storytelling began in childhood and evolved into writing songs that transformed into screenplays. His experiences during filmmaking in Delhi and collaboration with international filmmakers enriched his craft.
Theja identified 2019 as a transformative year, marking the creation of his short film Angh, which helped him refine his artistic identity by grounding his narratives in the lives of the Naga people. He aspires for the success of ANGH to initiate discussions on how to further elevate Naga storytelling on the global stage.