Manipuri Film Boong Wins BAFTA 2026 — Only Indian Nominee in Children’s Category
The Manipuri film Boong, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and backed by Excel Entertainment, has won the Best Children’s & Family Film award at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) 2026 Awards.
As the only Indian nominee in this category, Boong achieved the historic win on February 22, 2026, marking a landmark moment for Northeast Indian cinema on the global stage.
The film competed against major international titles, including Zootropolis 2 and Lilo & Stitch.
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A Story Rooted in Manipur
Boong is a heartfelt coming-of-age story about a young Manipuri boy searching for his missing father.
Starring Gugun Kipgen (in his debut role) alongside Bala Hijam, the film follows a mischievous boy who clings to the hope that his father will return home during Holi and reunite with his mother.
Richly woven with Manipuri culture and landscape, the film was shot before the ethnic violence that erupted in the state on May 3, 2023.
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Director’s Journey
Boong marks the directorial debut of Lakshmipriya Devi. Earlier, she worked as an assistant director on major Bollywood projects including:
• Lakshya
• Talaash
• Dahaad
She also assisted:
• Rajkumar Hirani on PK
• Mira Nair on A Suitable Boy
Expressing her joy, Devi said the win represents a significant moment for Indian regional cinema and highlights powerful storytelling from Manipur.
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Festival Journey
Before its BAFTA triumph, Boong premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (2024, Discovery section) and was officially selected at:
• Warsaw International Film Festival 2024
• MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024
• International Film Festival of India (55th edition)
• Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025
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A Historic Moment for Manipur
The BAFTA win is being hailed as a proud milestone for Manipuri cinema and a breakthrough for regional Indian films on the international stage.
This victory places Manipur firmly on the global cinematic map.
