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Angh makes its way to the Toronto International Film Festival - an extraordinary tale of culture, change and resilience
Nagaland-set Angh, exploring identity and cultural change, becomes the sole Indian film selected for TIFF’s prestigious Platform competition.
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Suresh Nellikode - Mon, 17, Aug 2026
- 16:31 EDT
- 35
Angh still / TIFF
The era is the early 1960s. The setting is a remote village in Nagaland, bordering what was then Burma.
The state is home to around sixteen indigenous tribes, each living strictly by their customs and traditions. Among them, many are converting to Christianity, drawn in by the work of Christian missionaries—with the incentives and gifts offered serving as a primary catalyst.
The state is on the path to development, and many villagers have already migrated to the cities. The protagonist of the story is Anghba, the chief of the Konyak tribe in that village. He lives with his ailing wife and his mute son. The core theme of the film Angh revolves around the identity crisis Anghba endures following the arrival of an American missionary.
Also read: Vikram Kochhar says Ranveer Singh has changed the definition of stardom with 'Dhurandhar'
The film is directed by Theja Rio, who was raised in Nagaland and is currently based in London. He is a graduate of the National Film and Television School in England. Anghlong Konyak stars as the tribal chief, alongside Amah Konyak and Sobino Rengma. A standout highlight of the film is the presence of renowned English actor Douglas Henshall, who plays the role of the American pastor. A BAFTA winner, Henshall honed his craft at the Scottish Youth Theatre.
Theja Rio / TIFFFans of the BBC crime drama Shetland won't easily forget his performance as Detective Jimmy Perez. Henshall is also globally recognized for his work in the Agatha Christie adaptation Murder Is Easy and the Netflix thriller series Who Is Erin Carter?. The film's cinematography is by Poland's Adam Pietkiewicz, with editing by Tanya Chhabria.
"My film is about the lives in a region that remains unknown even to many Indians. Those who wish to experience real lives authentically through cinema will love my movie," says Rio. Originally made as a short film in 2021, it won an award at the prestigious Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in France.
It is that very story, now expanded into a full-length feature film, that is making its way to Toronto.
Out of over 4,000 entries received, only 12 films distinguished by exceptional storytelling and direction were selected for the Platform competitive section. Angh stands as the sole Indian film selected in this category. Adding to the prestigious standing of TIFF, news has emerged that starting this year, the winning film from the Platform section will directly enter Oscar nomination contention.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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