Director Theja Rio, whose Konyak-language debut Angh won the Platform Prize at Toronto International Film Festival and qualified for consideration at the 2027 Oscars, met filmmakers in Nagaland recently before leaving for United States for lobby and promotions for the film as it heads to Oscar consideration.

During the interaction with filmmakers Kivini Shohe and Vileno Tase over a dinner in the state capital, Rio shared that his second feature is already shot and in edit.

Evolved from his short Ade (On a Sunday) to feature Ade on a Weekend, filmed in Phezha-Puchama area in Kohima, the film is inspired by childhood observations and follows a boy named Ade.

He said the project is rooted in a real house that was part of his memory and continues his approach of working with ordinary people and real places for authenticity.

Ade (On a Sunday), written and directed by Rio, is a Tenyidie language short and had earlier won the coveted Royal Stag Barrel Short Film Award at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024 organised by Mumbai Academy of Moving Image.

The award is a highlight of MAMI for honouring films that push boundaries of storytelling while showcasing cultural diversity.

Like Angh, Ade (On a Sunday) was also shot on 16mm film in Pfuchama village — giving it an archival, textured look rooted in memory and period.

Max Marius Menuose-O, who has followed Angh since its short version during the 3rd Nagaland Film Festival (Hornbill Edition), who was also present with the trio during the dinner said that much of the discussion was on craft.

According to him, Rio emphasized authenticity over spectacle and keeping storytelling to its basic while advising to cut excess exposition, background music and drone shots and to let camera stay on subject so audience can watch more.

He said characters should be shown with dignity and strength while every filmmaking choice should serve the story, adding that any technique should be used only when the story needs it, otherwise it can break the film’s authenticity.

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Rio narrated how he spoke extensive interviews in Toronto and at Indian cities before reaching Nagaland state and appreciated state felicitation.

He expressed hope that Angh’s recognition would open doors for more Naga stories.

During the discourse, it was also noted that recent festival initiatives in Nagaland have helped audiences understand different kinds of films and with formation of film association and government support, local filmmakers were coming up with platforms for film lovers.

It was also noted that showing films during Hornbill season is costly and audiences get divided across many events, and that there is a need for honest critics who trust their own feelings about a film.

The dinner interaction in Kohima was held days after the Government of Nagaland felicitated Theja Rio at the Chief Minister’s official residence, State Banquet Hall.

Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr Neiphiu Rio, and his wife felicitated the cast and crew of the film, hailing Angh as historic achievement for Nagaland.

Scores of state leaders, civil societies and filmmakers and film lovers and representatives from different government departments among others were part of the felicitation event.