Manipuri Film ‘Boong’ Scripts History At 79th BAFTA Awards: What Is It About?

An Indian film made in 2024 has finally got its recognition at the 79th BAFTA awards on February 23, 2026. Boong, a short Manipuri-language drama written and directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, won the BAFTA Award for Best Children’s and Family Film. The film is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Alan McAlex and Farhan Akhtar.

Boong’s recognition at BAFTA not only celebrates cinematic brilliance but also brings the richness of Manipur’s culture to a global stage.

It is a symbolic victory for a state that has been enduring years of unrest and neglect. Lakshmipriya Devi thanked BAFTA for showing “such big love to a small film” and prayed for “peace to return” to her home state.

A Story Rooted in Innocence and Identity

Boong is not a typical children’s movie that is full of fantasy and action, but a story that has been crafted through authenticity, simplicity, and emotional depth.

The movie is based on experiences of childhood, relationships, and the complexities of growing up; themes that are universal in their appeal, yet deeply rooted in Manipuri culture. 

The story is about a little boy, Boong (Gugun Kipgen), who moves across borders in search of his father, Joykumar, to bring him back home to his mother, Mandakini.

Through the incorporation of local traditions and experiences into its narrative, the film bridges the gap that exists between regionality and globality, proving that great storytelling is not a function of greatness but of honesty.

Boong made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2024. It was also screened at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival and the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa.

Why This BAFTA Win Matters

For Manipuri cinema and Northeast Indian filmmaking in general, this achievement carries enormous symbolic weight. The region’s film industry often operates with limited resources and minimal national attention. However, Boong has proved that engaging stories can cross continents and languages.

This victory also shakes the hegemony of conventional films by reminding viewers that regional films are also capable of providing world-class content.

Director Lakshmipriya Devi said in her speech that Boong is “rooted in a place which is very troubled, very much ignored and very unrepresented in India."

She added, “We pray for peace to return to Manipur. We pray that all the internally displaced children, including the child actors in the film, regain their joy, innocence and dreams once again. We pray that no conflict is ever formidable enough to destroy the one superpower that all of us have as human beings, which is forgiveness.”

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A Boost for Children’s Cinema

Movies produced for children tend to be underrated in relation to blockbuster productions. Nevertheless, the success of Boong emphasises the significance of substantial films produced for children.

Stories that nurture empathy, resilience, and cultural awareness are essential in shaping how children understand the world; yet two weeks after Boong’s shooting was wrapped up, the conflict broke out between ethnic communities, the Meitei and Kuki.

By honouring Boong, BAFTA has acknowledged the power of gentle storytelling in influencing young minds.

Director’s background

Lakshmipriya Devi has worked in several popular films as an assistant director. She has been part of the production team of several movies, including Lakshya (2004), Luck By Chance (2009), PK (2014), Talaash (2012), A Suitable Boy (2020) and Dahaad (2023).