The poster of ‘Angh’
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Filmmaker Theja Rio's debut feature Angh has been selected for the Platform Competition at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).The Nagaland-set film will have its world premiere in Platform, TIFF's competitive section dedicated to distinctive director-driven cinema. The 2026 line-up features 12 films from around the world.Written and directed by Rio, Angh marks the filmmaker's first feature after a string of internationally screened and award-winning short films.The film is set against the backdrop of Nagaland in the 1960s and brings a story rooted in the region's history and culture to one of the world's leading film festivals.In a statement, Rio said the selection was a significant moment for the film and for stories from India's Northeast."It is deeply humbling to see a story from Nagaland find a place on a global platform like TIFF. We hope the film resonates with audiences across cultures while remaining true to the place and people it represents," the filmmaker said.From this year, the winner of the Platform Award will automatically qualify for consideration in the Academy Awards' International Feature Film category, subject to the Academy's eligibility rules.The 51st Toronto International Film Festival will be held from September 10 to 20. Published - July 22, 2026 10:50 am IST
