Imphal/London : In a landmark moment for regional Indian cinema, Boong, a Manipuri-language debut feature, has become the first Indian film to win the BAFTA for Best Children & Family Film, marking a watershed achievement at the 2026 ceremony held at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

The film’s triumph at the 2026 edition of the BAFTA Awards not only placed Manipur on the global cinematic map but also underscored the growing international recognition of stories emerging from India’s Northeast – a region long underrepresented in mainstream Indian filmmaking.

Boong was the only Indian entry in its category and prevailed over major international productions including Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch and Arco, making its win all the more significant.

Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong tells the poignant story of a young boy from Manipur who sets out on a deeply personal quest – to reunite his estranged family as the ultimate gift for his mother. In the child’s innocent imagination, bringing his missing father home would be the most precious present of all. What begins as a simple, heartfelt mission gradually unfolds into a transformative journey, altering the course of his life and leading to unexpected change.

The film’s emotional depth, rooted in everyday realities of life in Manipur, resonated strongly with international audiences and juries alike. Its intimate storytelling and regional authenticity stood out amid high-budget studio contenders.

Producer Farhan Akhtar, who took to the stage alongside Lakshmipriya Devi and fellow producers Ritesh Sidhwani, Alan McAlex and others to receive the award, spoke about his long association with the director and what drew him to the project.

“Lakshmipriya and I have known each other for about 20 years,” Akhtar said during his remarks. “This film is set in a region of India from which we rarely get to watch films. It was nice to support that, and it’s a very heartwarming story. So, it just felt right.”

The film is also backed by producers Vikesh Bhutani and Shujaat Saudagar, reflecting a collaborative effort to bring a distinct Northeastern voice to global audiences.

From festival discovery to global acclaim

Before its BAFTA success, Boong had already built an impressive festival run. The film premiered in the Discovery section of the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024, a platform known for spotlighting emerging filmmakers.

It subsequently travelled to the Warsaw Film Festival 2024, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025, steadily building international momentum.

The BAFTA win, however, marks its biggest milestone yet – elevating not just the film but the Manipuri language and cinema to an unprecedented global platform.

Boost for regional Indian cinema

The victory is being hailed as a breakthrough moment for films from India’s Northeast, a region whose stories often struggle for visibility within the country’s own commercial film circuits. By winning one of the most prestigious honours in global cinema, Boong has reaffirmed the universal appeal of locally rooted narratives.

For Manipur, the award represents more than cinematic success – it is a cultural milestone, showcasing the richness of its storytelling traditions and lived experiences to a worldwide audience.

As celebrations continue back home, Boong stands as a reminder that powerful stories, even when told in lesser-heard languages, can transcend borders and compete with the biggest names in international cinema.