While the Marathi thriller Gondhal has been selected as India’s formal submission for the 2027 Academy Awards, the Konyak-language film Angh is pursuing an independent bid for the Best International Film category. Directed by Theja Rio, the drama is set in 1962, shortly before Nagaland attained statehood. The narrative centers on a village chief struggling to maintain traditional animistic customs and headhunting rituals amidst the rapid expansion of Christianity in his community. The arrival of an American Baptist missionary creates deep cultural friction, leading to a significant confrontation between the chief and his own son. By highlighting the preservation of indigenous identity against external religious influence, the film seeks international recognition on its own terms, bypassing the official national nomination process.
Source : Scroll.in
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