Manipuri Film ‘Boong’ Wins Historic BAFTA Award
Manipuri-language film Boong wins Best Children’s and Family Film at BAFTA 2026, marking a landmark moment for regional Indian cinema on the global stage.
LONDON/IMPHAL- The Manipuri-language film Boong scripted history at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) by winning the Best Children’s and Family Film category, marking a significant milestone for Indian regional cinema and bringing global attention to storytelling from Northeast India.
Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and backed by producers including Farhan Akhtar, the film’s victory is being viewed as a breakthrough moment, as it became the first Indian film to secure the award in this category.
The award ceremony, held in London on February 22, saw Boong compete against prominent international titles such as Zootopia 2 and Lilo & Stitch, underscoring the scale of its achievement.
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The film narrates the emotional journey of a young boy searching for his father, blending themes of childhood resilience and socio-cultural realities of rural Manipur. Critics note that its grounded storytelling and regional authenticity resonated strongly with global audiences and juries.
The BAFTA recognition has been widely celebrated across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several public figures congratulated the team, calling the victory a proud moment for the country’s creative industries and an acknowledgment of diverse regional voices.
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Observers suggest that Boong’s success reflects a broader shift in international film circuits, where regional narratives and non-mainstream languages are increasingly gaining visibility. The win is also expected to encourage filmmakers from the Northeast, a region historically underrepresented in national and global cinema markets, to pursue wider platforms.
Industry analysts note that while the recognition signals growing acceptance of diverse storytelling, sustained investment in infrastructure, distribution networks and institutional support will be crucial for translating such milestones into long-term growth for regional film industries.
