What is the Manipuri film Boong about? Becomes the first Indian film to win the Best Children’s Film Award at BAFTA 2026

By Samira Vishwas On Feb 23, 2026

Boong: London, United Kingdom on 23 February 2026 bafta Awards (British Academy Film Awards) were organized. This time it was a matter of great joy for Indian cinema because ‘Boong’, a beautiful film made in Manipuri language, won the Best Children’s and Family Film award.

This is a huge and historic moment for Indian cinema, because this is the first time that an Indian film has won in this category at BAFTA. The film ‘Bong’ has come from Manipur and is the first feature film made entirely in Manipuri language to win such a big international award. There is an atmosphere of happiness throughout India due to this victory, especially it is a matter of pride for the people of North-East.

What is the story of the film?

This film is a true and emotional story of a little boy Bong. Bong wants to give the best gift to his mother. A very innocent thought comes to his mind that if his missing father comes back home, it would be the greatest and sweetest gift for him. He tries to find his father. In this discovery his whole life changes and the story moves towards a new beginning. This story touches the hearts of children and families because it shows love, hope, innocence and the truth of life.

Heartiest congratulations to the team of Boong on winning the BAFTA Award for Best Children’s and Family Film at the BAFTA Awards 2026.A Manipuri-language film earning a distinguished international recognition reflects the immense talent, creativity, and resilience of our… pic.twitter.com/1YQ9xJ1Nqv
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) February 23, 2026

Who made this film?

The film has been directed by Lakshmipriya Devi. This is his first feature film. Big names among the producers are- Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani (Excel Entertainment), Vikesh Bhutani, Alan McAlex and Shujaat Saudagar. Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Lakshmipriya Devi and Alan McAlex himself were present at the BAFTA ceremony to receive the award. This special moment happened at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

What did Farhan Akhtar say?

After the win, Farhan Akhtar expressed happiness and told why he liked this project. He said that he has known director Lakshmipriya Devi for the last 20 years. There is very good friendship and trust between them. Farhan said, ‘This film is the story of that area of India, where we rarely get to see films from. Stories from places like Manipur are rarely shown on the big screen. That’s why I felt very happy to support this film. The story is so heart touching that it felt absolutely right.

Historic Milestone: Manipuri film Boong wins the 2026 BAFTA Award, the first Indian production to win the Best Children’s and Family Film award.Powerful message of forgiveness and call for peace by the Director Lakshmipriya Devi Ironically, the lead child actors belong to the… pic.twitter.com/SonGUdMqvy
— Meitei Heritage Society (@meiteiheritage) February 23, 2026

How special is this film?

‘Bong’ was the only Indian film of this year to be nominated at BAFTA. After nomination, now it has also won the award, which is a big achievement. It competed with big international films, such as Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, Zootopia 2, and Arco. Still ‘Bong’ won.

Where was the film shown?

Its first showing was in the Discovery section of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2024.

After this it was shown in many big festivals, such as: Warsaw International Film Festival 2024

MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024

International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025

India’s proud moment

This film seems small, but its story and message are very big. It brings the culture, emotions and life of Manipur to the world. Its win at a big place like BAFTA has given a new identity to Indian regional cinema (especially the North-East). This victory is not only of the film but also of the voice and talent of Manipur, the whole of India is proud of it.