Douglas Henshall: From Shetland's Shores to Nagaland's Hills
Okay, so you know Douglas Henshall, right? Jimmy Perez from Shetland? Seven seasons! The man practically *is* Shetland. Well, get this: he's traded the windswept Scottish isles for the lush hills of Nagaland, India. Variety reported it, and honestly, who saw that coming?
A New Role, a New World
He's joined the cast of Angh, an independent film – the directorial debut of Theja Rio, no less. It’s set in 1960s Nagaland, a place most of us probably haven't heard much about. The movie's about a Konyak chief wrestling with the clash between tradition and… well, everything else. An American missionary shows up, promising aid, but at what cost? It sounds intense.
Henshall's playing a pivotal role in this whole dramatic mess, a story that also tackles famine and the failing health of the chief's wife. It’s about survival, protecting your culture, and how the outside world can just… steamroll over everything. You know how sometimes things just spiral? This film sounds like that.
More Than Just a Movie
Angh itself is pretty groundbreaking. It's using a mostly local cast, many of whom are first-time actors. That’s huge for Naga cinema. They’re shooting the whole thing on 16mm film too, which gives it a really unique, textured look. I’m already picturing it.
The director, Theja Rio, and producer, Nancy Nisa Beso, are really passionate about showing Nagaland’s rich history and culture authentically. They believe Angh will resonate with audiences worldwide because, hey, stories about cultural clashes and survival are timeless, aren’t they?
Beyond Jimmy Perez: Henshall's Next Chapter
Henshall leaving Shetland in 2022 opened up a lot of possibilities. The show’s still going strong, with Ashley Jensen stepping up, but this move shows Henshall’s willingness to take on completely different kinds of roles. And Angh seems like a truly wild ride.
What's Next for Angh?
We don’t have a release date yet, but they’re aiming for the international festival circuit. That tells me they’re confident, and rightfully so. This whole project is a testament to the power of diverse storytelling, highlighting both Henshall's acting talent and the hidden cinematic potential of Nagaland. It’s exciting! Definitely one to watch out for.
