Shillong, Feb 23: The story of a boy’s resilience to unite his parents amid ethnic tensions and border restrictions has reached the international platform and won the BAFTA Award 2026 in the Best Children’s and Family Film category.
Manipuri film Boong, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, has created history by becoming the first Indian film to win the award.
The protagonist, played by Kuki boy Gugun Kipgen, is already winning hearts at various festivals. The movie’s success has also drawn praises from across the country.
“A huge shout out to LakshmiPriya Devi & the Boong team. And to all my brothers & sisters from the Northeast – don’t let the racist haters get you down. You, not they, are what makes India great,” said Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra.
Boong, which is produced by Farhan Akhtar, marked the directorial debut of Lakshmipriya Devi, who earlier worked as an assistant director on films like Lakshya and PK.
At the BAFTA ceremony, the director said, “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 dream. We pray that no conflict is ever formidable enough to destroy the one superpower that all of us have as human beings, that is forgiveness.”
Filmmaker James Khangenbam that it was indeed a proud moment. “We feel elevated. Stories from the fringes are getting attention. I like the way Lakshmipriya humbly spoke on the award ceremony, indicating that Boong is a small film but the Jury and BAFTA have given a big love.
“It reflects her sincerity as a filmmaker. Making a simple film is a difficult thing in the first place, as showcasing simplicity on screen requires audiovisual grammar progressing from deep research and creative thoughts. I appreciate the film production houses from Mumbai who trusted the lady director in her debut directorial film. Film always connects people and bridges multiple understandings as it draw audio visual memories. And Boong is a powerful film. I hope the film will have a warm homecoming. I believe the film will regain its ripple effect once again with fresh energy. Adored and appreciated by Indian audiences alike.”
