‘We are on brink of a remarkable era’: Filmmaker Theja Rio on rise of Naga Cinema

Vishü Rita Krocha
Kohima | November 24

With the emergence of more filmmakers and aspiring storytellers, Naga filmmaker, Theja Rio strongly feels that, “We are on the brink of a remarkable era, one that will see the rise of a cinema that will represent who we are.” 

Reiterating his belief in the ‘dawn of something truly exciting,’ he asserts in an exclusive interview with The Morung Express that each of these storytellers possesses a unique voice.

“We have an abundance of stories waiting to be told and all the talent needed to bring them to life,” he adds. 

Rio, a passionate storyteller from a young age, began by writing rap lyrics and songs before transitioning to short stories and, eventually, screenplays.

His driven aspiration to bring his vision to life on screen led him to pursue a career as a director, which, in his words, “allows me to translate my stories exactly as I imagine them.”

Over the past decade, he has created numerous films that have been diverse not only in genre but also in style and themes.

“I’m grateful for this variety,” he says, adding, “It has allowed me to grow both as a filmmaker and as an individual.” 

“The more I’ve evolved as an artist, the more rooted and organic my work has become,” he adds.

A recurring theme – ‘Intergenerational Conflict’

One of the recurring themes in Rio’s films is ‘intergenerational conflict.’ He shares that this theme emerged subconsciously in his work from the start. In hindsight, he remarks, “It’s inevitable, given where we come from.”

“The rapid transitional period we have experienced—marked by significant gentrification of both physical spaces and belief systems—has deeply influenced this aspect of my storytelling,” he elaborates.

Among all his films, Rio is proudest of Ade (On A Sunday), largely because it is “so close to my heart and reflects a world I look back on with immense fondness and cherish deeply.”

The Naga filmmaker recently won the Royal Stag Large Barrel Short Film Award at the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) 2024 for the film. 

Shot on 16mm film in the scenic Pfuchama village, the film was produced by Rio, Nancy Nisa Beso, and Dan Pusa.

Recalling the journey of making the film, he notes, “Making Ade (On A Sunday) has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’m not exaggerating when I say that everything about this film has been remarkably smooth sailing—it’s almost hard to believe. From the writing to the casting to the actual production, everything felt natural and effortlessly in place.”

The film, further illuminated, is a simple, observational piece that follows the titular character as he navigates the adult world for the first time.

Stating that the film’s unapologetic simplicity is its greatest strength, he adds, “It stays true to a child’s perspective, never overreaching or trying to do more than necessary. That authenticity seems to have struck a chord with audiences, and I think that’s what makes it resonate so deeply.”

Childhood solitude as impetus 

Rio was born and raised in Kohima and holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. He subsequently completed his master’s degree in Directing Fiction Films at the National Film and Television School in the UK.

As the only child, having lost his older brother when he was just six years old, he says, “Much of my childhood was spent alone.” This solitude, however, plays a significant role in shaping his creativity, as he turned to storytelling for companionship and entertainment.

Growing up, he recalls wanting to become a rapper, a footballer, and even a geologist at various points. “Yet, storytelling—in one form or another—was always a constant presence in the background,” he affirms.

Even before he fully understood what it entailed, he vividly remembers resonating with the idea of being a screenwriter.

“What I did know was that it involved crafting stories, specifically for films, and from that moment, I knew it was what I wanted to do,” he shares.

“Once I understood that filmmaking, at its core, is simply storytelling, the entire world seemed more straightforward and within reach,” he says, noting that this realization also gave him the courage to pursue it wholeheartedly.

In the early years, he recalls tirelessly writing, churning out script after script.

“I would complete a new script almost every month and send it to Nancy, who was already working as a producer in the industry,” he divulges.

Alongside writing, he began working on film sets and collaborating with professional filmmakers in his late teens, which he terms “both inspiring and humbling.”

Over the years, his unwavering passion for storytelling has driven all the effort and dedication he has poured into his craft.

Rio also recently completed a short post-colonial horror film titled Remains, which he wrote and directed in the UK.

“It’s currently making its way through the film festival circuit,” he informs.

What’s next?

Speaking about what’s in the pipeline, he says, “I am finally making my first feature film!”

The feature film, he highlights, is an expanded version of a short film he made a few years ago called Angh.

“We are set to begin shooting in Nagaland in the last week of February 2025,” he announces.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/we-are-on-brink-of-a-remarkable-era-filmmaker-theja-rio-on-rise-of-naga-cinema