Tenyidie language short film, Ade (On a Sunday), written and directed by Naga filmmaker Theja Rio has won the coveted Royal Stage Large Barrel Short Film Award at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024 organised by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI).
Shot on 16mm film in the scenic Pfuchama village of Nagaland, the film features an entirely non-professional cast, including Visalie Kuotsu as Ade and Kedo Kuotsu as Abu. The film was produced by Nancy Nisa Beso, Theja Rio and Dan Pusa.
Ade (On A Sunday) tells a heartfelt story of a young boy navigating the delicate balance between tradition and faith in his small rural village. The film, celebrated for its nostalgic visual style and authentic storytelling, has previously made waves at international festivals such as Rotterdam, Toronto, Lisbon, and LA, gaining widespread recognition for being the first film in the Tenyidie language to achieve such international success. The film will be travelling to DIFF (Dharamshala International Film Festival) next.
The Royal Stage Large Barrel Award, a highlight of the MAMI festival, has a legacy of honouring films that push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling while showcasing cultural diversity. This award marks yet another milestone in the film’s growing legacy.
Best Film
Awarding the magic of storytelling with ‘Ade (On A Sunday)’ by Theja Rio, the Best Film winner at Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films!
Congratulations to @RioThejario and team!@LargeShortFilms
Festival Details: https://t.co/J6MCJmGAzK pic.twitter.com/FV7zIuTJ0b
— MAMI Mumbai Film Festival (@MumbaiFilmFest) October 23, 2024