TIFF 2026 Review: Angh

The arrival of an American missionary causes a chief and his family to become the only remaining inhabitants of a Nagaland village in the early 1960s.

Holding steadfast to the traditional beliefs and customs is Anghba while looking after his ailing wife and mute young son.  The devotion has been costly, as the Nagaland village in which they live has become devoid of other inhabitants who have chosen to reside in a community established by an American missionary.  Attempts are made to have Anghba join the new way of life, but he refuses while his offspring begins to waver and his wife succumbs to her ailments.

A surreal image sums up the story where Anghba is hunting traditionally by a river when a raft floats by containing a jeep and a waving white man.  This certainly puts the viewer in the perspective of Anghba, who finds himself confused by what is going on, but there is an element of clarity shown when he asks a former inhabitant, “Do you truly believe in their god, or is it strictly for the food and shelter?’   The tradition is brutal, such as removing the heads of the deceased, but it is made less horrific in that Anghba does everything with a sense of purpose.  Nature is a principal cast member, which can be beautiful and desolate at the same time.

The cinematography by Adam Pietkiewicz is stunning but does not take away from the performances.   In many ways, this could be a stage play except that it takes place outdoors rather than in a theatre.  Much of the emotional weight rests on the shoulders of Anghlong Konyak as Anghba, and he does an admirable job.  A quietness and curiosity is conveyed by Sobino Rengma as the speechless Amao, while Douglas James Henshall as the White Priest comes across as somewhat flat.  It is a shame that the ailing wife is given brief screen time, as there is a gravitas present which is compelling.

The 51st Toronto International Film Festival runs September 10-20, 2026, and for more information visit tiff.net.   

Trevor Hogg is a freelance video editor and writer who currently resides in Canada; he can be found at LinkedIn.