Boong BAFTA win highlights stories from Manipur

The director of the Manipuri-language film Boong, Lakshmipriya Devi, says the film’s victory at the BAFTA Awards serves as an important reminder to the world about the cultural and social realities of Manipur, a region often overlooked in mainstream Indian cinema.

Speaking after the recognition, Devi said the award highlights stories from beyond the traditional Bollywood independent circuit and brings global attention to the northeastern state. She added that the responsibility now lies with audiences and filmmakers to carry that awareness forward.

The film, a coming-of-age drama released in 2024, follows a young boy searching for his father in conflict-affected Manipur. Through the child’s journey, the story explores themes of family, identity and resilience in a region that has witnessed prolonged unrest.

Boong made history by becoming the first Indian film to win a trophy at the BAFTA Awards, organised annually in London by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. The film was announced as the winner in the Best Children’s and Family Film category at the awards ceremony last month.

Despite the international acclaim, Devi said she hopes to return to working quietly after the spotlight fades, adding that her focus remains on telling authentic stories from her homeland.

The historic win has been widely celebrated as a milestone for regional cinema in India, particularly for films emerging from the northeastern states, which rarely receive global recognition.