Angh becomes FIRST Indian film to win TIFF 2026 Platform Competition, earns 2027 Oscars eligibility

Angh, the feature directorial debut of award-winning filmmaker Theja Rio, wins the prestigious Platform Competition at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2026, earning eligibility for the International Feature Film category at the 2027 Academy Awards.

The film had its world premiere at TIFF 2026, where the film received an incredible response from audiences for its deeply personal storytelling and poignant portrayal of a disappearing world.

Angh is the only Indian film selected for TIFF’s Platform Competition this year.

One of TIFF’s premier competitive sections, Platform is the festival’s auteur-driven competition, dedicated to bold directorial voices and distinctive cinematic storytelling.

The juried section highlights films shaped by a strong directorial vision and a distinctive perspective.

The winner of the Platform Competition receives an automatic qualification for consideration in the International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards.

Angh is produced by Nancy Nisa Beso and Theja Rio.

The film is represented internationally & domestically for distribution by Jungle Book Studio, which acquired its international sales rights ahead of its TIFF world premiere.

Speaking about the historic win, filmmaker Theja Rio said, “It is a very special moment for me and for everyone associated with the film.

I am aware that it is rare for a debut film to receive this kind of recognition, and all I can say is that we made Angh with a lot of love — for the place I come from, for my people and for our culture.

At the heart of the film is the relationship between a father and son, but it is also about letting go, our relationship with home and the transient nature of life.

These are some of the most universal emotions, and they belong to all of us.

To see Angh connect with audiences beyond our own community has been deeply moving.

I feel humbled and grateful.