The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) felicitated filmmaker Theja Rio, who won the Platform Jury Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) for his film Angh, during a welcome reception held at Dimapur Airport, Chumoukedima, on September 29

Speaking during the programme, Theja Rio expressed his gratitude for being able to bring ANGH back to Nagaland and share it with the people for whom the film was made. He said the film had taken nearly two years to produce, while the writing had begun almost five years ago. The first draft was completed in 2021 and the film was made in 2024.

He said the film was deeply rooted in Naga culture and had shaped the way he looked at his work, particularly the importance of remembering where one came from. He added that the majority of those who worked on the film were from Nagaland and described it as a film rooted in Nagaland, made by its people and for its people. He introduced the actors and members of his team and acknowledged their contribution to the film and credited the entire team for the success of ANGH and thanked the people of Nagaland for the love and support extended to the film.

He also acknowledged the support of the Naga people, particularly the Konyak community, and said that despite the absence of a formal film industry, Nagaland had an “industry of love and support” for its own people.

He dedicated Angh to the people of Nagaland and said the journey would continue with the film’s Oscar campaign.

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President, AYO, Petevito Nakhro, welcomed the gathering and said the occasion was a celebration of Theja Rio’s success, hard work and dedication. He attributed the achievement to the blessings of Almighty God and extended best wishes to Theja Rio as he continued his journey from TIFF towards the Oscars. He expressed hope that his work would bring further recognition to the Naga people, Nagaland and the country.

Vice President Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO), Sebastian Zumvu spoke about the historical experiences of the Naga people reflected in ANGH. He referred to the arrival of Christianity and Western influence and the difficulties faced by earlier generations in reconciling new beliefs with traditional customs. He said the story portrayed in the film reflected experiences shared by many Naga families and the rapid transition of Naga society from traditional ways of life to modernity. He appreciated Theja Rio for telling the story of the ancestors and preserving those experiences through cinema. He congratulated Theja Rio on the recognition received for ANGH and expressed hope that the film would continue its journey to the Oscars.

Messages of appreciation were also conveyed by Kenilo Kent on behalf of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and Molo Phom on behalf of the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF).

Earlier, General Secretary, AYO, Vipu Zashumo, delivered the welcome address.

The programme ended with a vote of thanks by the Chairperson, Press Secretary, AYO, Vitsikolie Kehie.