The Manipuri film Boong won the award for Best Children’s and Family Film at the 79th BAFTA Film Awards. The ceremony took place on 22 February 2026 at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Notably, Lakshmipriya Devi directed the film as her debut feature. Moreover, it became the first Indian film to win this category. So, the win brings global attention to cinema from India’s Northeast.
Boong Beats Zootopia 2 and Lilo & Stitch
Boong competed against three major titles in the category. These were Disney’s Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch and the French animated film Arco. Despite this, the small Manipuri-language drama took the award. Also, Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani and Shibani Dandekar attended the ceremony with the team.
Story and Cast of the Film
The film follows Boong, a young boy from Imphal, and his friend Raju. Together, they set out to bring Boong’s missing father home. Then, their journey takes them to the border town of Moreh. Meanwhile, displacement and ethnic violence spread across Manipur in the background. Child actor Gugun Kipgen plays Boong, while Bala Hijam and Vikram Kochhar also appear.
Producers and the Toronto Premiere
Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment backed the film. In addition, Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures served as co-producers. Earlier, Boong premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2024. After that, it travelled to several festivals before the BAFTA nomination.
A Message of Peace for Manipur
On stage, Lakshmipriya Devi spoke about her home state. She said, “We pray for peace to return to Manipur.” She also thanked BAFTA for embracing her “small film”. Later, Farhan Akhtar called the honour a privilege on X.
About BAFTA
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is a UK charity founded in 1947. Every year, it presents awards for film, television and games. Interestingly, people often see the BAFTA Film Awards as a pointer for the Oscars.
Manipuri Film Boong: Key Facts for Revision
- Award: Best Children’s and Family Film, 79th BAFTA Film Awards
- Date and venue: 22 February 2026, Royal Festival Hall, London
- Director: Lakshmipriya Devi (debut feature)
- Producer: Excel Entertainment (Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani)
- Other nominees: Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch and Arco
- Lead actor: Gugun Kipgen as Boong
- First: First Indian film to win this BAFTA category
Why Manipuri Film Boong Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, awards to Indian films abroad often appear in prelims questions. So, remember the category, the director and the rival films. Also, link this win with the growing reach of regional cinema, like Garhwali and Manipuri films. For official updates, also visit BAFTA. Next, for a related story, read about the 72nd National Film Awards winners.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.