Manipuri Film Boong Wins Three Major Awards at New York Indian Film Festival 2026
Manipuri cinema achieved a significant international milestone as the acclaimed film Boong secured three prestigious awards at the 2026 New York Indian Film Festival, further highlighting the growing global recognition of regional Indian cinema.
At the festival’s closing ceremony, young actor Gugun Kipgen received the Best Child Actor award for his outstanding performance in the film. Director Lakshmipriya Devi was honoured with the Best Director award, while Boong was also selected as the Best Debut Film by the festival’s critics’ panel.
The four-day festival, organised by the Indo-American Arts Council, concluded after showcasing a diverse collection of Indian independent films. This year’s edition featured 19 feature films, four documentaries, and 27 short films representing various regions and cultures across India.
Festival organisers noted that films in 15 different Indian languages were screened during the event, reflecting the increasing international appeal of regional storytelling and independent cinema.
Among other major honours, Nikhil Vaid won the Best Actor award for his role in Vinnukut. The Best Actress award was jointly presented to Meenakshi Jayan for Mahajan, Victoria Thek, and Prajakta Deshmukh for their performances.
In the documentary category, Deja Vu received the Best Documentary Feature award, while Jo’s Turnwas named Best Narrative Short Film.
Speaking at the festival’s closing event, Nirmal Mattoo praised the diversity and quality of storytelling presented throughout the festival. He highlighted that many of the films explored contemporary issues while remaining deeply connected to regional cultures, traditions, and identities.
The festival concluded with a special screening of Boong on May 29, bringing another successful edition of NYIFF to a close. The film’s success is being celebrated as a proud achievement for Manipuri cinema and a reflection of the growing international appreciation for stories from Northeast India.
The recognition received by Boong is expected to further strengthen the visibility of Manipuri filmmakers and encourage greater global exposure for regional cinema from the state.
