BAFTA – Indian Film Boong Wins Children’s Category
BAFTA – India marked a notable achievement at the British Academy Film Awards 2026 as the Manipuri-language film Boong secured the Best Children and Family Film honour. The victory places regional Indian storytelling firmly on the international map and highlights the growing global appreciation for diverse narratives from the country.
A Story Rooted in Manipur
Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong tells a deeply personal story drawn from the cultural landscape of Manipur. In an interview following the win, the filmmaker explained that the word “Boong” translates to “little boy” in Manipuri. The film follows a young boy determined to present his mother with what he believes would be the most meaningful gift — the return of his father, who has been missing for a long time.
The narrative unfolds as the child embarks on a journey to find his father, driven by innocence and hope. What begins as a simple mission slowly transforms into a life-changing experience, leading to unexpected emotional discoveries. The film’s intimate storytelling and grounded setting resonated strongly with international audiences and jurors alike.
Director’s Milestone Moment
For Lakshmipriya Devi, the award represents more than professional recognition. Boong marks her debut as a feature film director, making the BAFTA win a defining chapter in her career. She described the achievement as both personal and cultural, noting that it is rare for stories from Manipur to receive such wide global exposure.
Her work reflects everyday life in a region that has seldom been represented in mainstream Indian cinema. The film’s authenticity and emotional simplicity appear to have played a significant role in its success on the international stage.
Strong Backing from Production Team
Producer Farhan Akhtar, who has known the director for nearly two decades, described the project as special from the outset. He highlighted that supporting a film set in a part of India rarely seen in commercial cinema was an important reason behind his involvement.
Akhtar also noted that the emotional core of the story — a child’s love for his mother and his unwavering belief in family — gave the film universal appeal. Alongside him, the production team included Vikesh Bhutani, Alan McAlex, Ritesh Sidhwani, and Shujaat Saudagar.
Historic Win at Royal Festival Hall
Boong was the only Indian film nominated at the BAFTA ceremony this year. With its win in the Best Children and Family Film category, it has become the first Indian title to claim the award in this segment.
The ceremony took place at London’s Royal Festival Hall, where members of the film’s team were present to receive the trophy. The category featured strong international competition, including titles such as Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch, and Arco. Despite the competitive field, the jury selected Boong for its heartfelt storytelling and fresh perspective.
Journey Through Global Film Festivals
Before its BAFTA success, Boong had already built momentum on the international festival circuit. The film premiered in the Discovery section at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, drawing attention for its regional focus and emotional depth.
Following its premiere, it was screened at several prominent film events, including the Warsaw International Film Festival 2024, the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, the International Film Festival of India, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025. These screenings helped expand its global reach and introduced wider audiences to Manipuri-language cinema.
The BAFTA recognition now adds a significant milestone to the film’s journey, reinforcing the increasing visibility of regional Indian films on the world stage. As Indian cinema continues to diversify in language and storytelling style, Boong’s achievement signals broader opportunities for filmmakers from underrepresented regions to share their stories internationally.