Imphal, February 23: India celebrated a landmark achievement at the 2026 BAFTA Awards, as the Manipuri-language film Boong won the Best Children’s & Family Film award. Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Farhan Akhtar, the film was the only Indian nominee this year and marked a proud moment for regional cinema from the Northeast.
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| Lakshmipriya Devi delivers her acceptance speech as *Boong* wins Best Children’s & Family Film at the BAFTA Awards 2026 in London. |
The award was presented at London’s Royal Festival Hall, with Farhan Akhtar receiving the honour on behalf of the team. Boong tells the poignant story of a young boy searching for his missing father amid the backdrop of Manipur’s recent unrest. The film stars Gugun Kipgen, Bala Hijam Ningthoujam and Angom Sanamatum, and was shot before the outbreak of the crisis. Featuring both Meitei and Kuki actors, it reflects collaboration across communities.
The film premiered in the Discovery section at the Toronto International Film Festival 2024 and later screened at major festivals including Warsaw, MAMI Mumbai, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. At the BAFTAs, it triumphed over internationally acclaimed contenders, further cementing its global impact.
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In her emotional acceptance speech, Lakshmipriya Devi began with the Manipuri greeting “Khurumjari” and dedicated the award to Manipur. She prayed for peace to return to her homeland and expressed hope that internally displaced children - including the young actors in the film - would regain their joy, innocence and dreams. Emphasising humanity and forgiveness, she described the moment as reaching “the summit of a mountain we never knew we were climbing.”
More than a cinematic victory, Boong stands as a tribute to Manipur’s resilience and a powerful reminder that storytelling can foster empathy, healing and hope.
