Indian Manipuri Film ‘Boong’ Wins at BAFTA Awards 2026 | 24 Feb 2026

Why in News?

The Manipuri-language Indian film ‘Boong’ made history by winning the Best Children’s and Family Film award at the 79th British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards 2026.

Key Points:

• Historic Win: Boong became the first Indian film to win the Best Children’s and Family Film category at the prestigious BAFTA Awards.
• Competition: The Manipuri film triumphed over renowned international titles such as Zootopia 2 and Lilo & Stitch.
• Film Background: Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and backed by producers including Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani.
  • Boong is a coming-of-age drama that follows a young boy from Manipur on a heartfelt journey to reunite his family.
  • It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024 and has showcased at several international festivals.
• Theme: The film revolves around childhood, family bonds, identity, and emotional resilience, making it suitable for children and family audiences globally.
  • At the London ceremony, the director delivered an emotional acceptance speech, using the platform to highlight cultural narratives and call for peace, resonating with audiences globally.
• Significance: The film is a historic achievement for Indian cinema, marking the first time an Indian production has won in this category. 
  • The win brings global attention to the socio-cultural narratives of Northeast India, a region historically underrepresented in mainstream Indian cinema.