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The Manipuri-language based film 'Boong' became the first Indian film to win the Best Children's & Family Film prize at the 79th British Academy Film Awards, marking a historic occasion for India. With the help of Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani and directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, the picture defeated international competitors like 'Zootopia 2,' 'Lilo & Stitch,' and 'Arco,' solidifying regional Indian cinema's place on the international awards scene.
Historic BAFTA Victory for 'Boong'
The Manipuri-language based film 'Boong' took home the Best Children's & Family Film award at the 79th British Academy Film Awards, which took place at London's Royal Festival Hall on 22nd February. 'Boong' was the only Indian nominee at this year's ceremony, and it was the first time an Indian film had won a BAFTA in this category.
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Image Courtesy: Mint
The announcement was made in the midst of fierce competition from globally acclaimed films nominated in the same children's category, including 'Zootopia 2,' 'Lilo & Stitch,' and the French film 'Arco.' 'Boong' triumphed over these films to clinch the honour, emphasizing the global appeal of its story and storytelling approach.
Director Lakshmipriya Devi and producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani accepted the award with emotion when Paddington Bear, who made fun of his own BAFTA moment, delivered it on stage. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the win a "proud moment" for Indian cinema, especially highlighting its significance for cinema from the Northeast.
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On social media, prominent figures in the industry like Shekhar Kapur and Kangana Ranaut praised the accomplishment and emphasized the value of representation and narrative on international stages.
About 'Boong': Story, Cast and Festival Journey
'Boong'—which translates to "little boy" in the Manipuri language—tells a heartfelt coming-of-age story set in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. Bala Hijam plays Boong's mother, Mandakini, and little Gugun Kipgen plays Boong, a boy who is desperate to get his broken family back together when his father vanishes for no apparent reason. Angom Sanamatum plays Boong's best buddy Raju in the supporting cast, while other gifted local performers provided realism to the story.
'Boong,' which was directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, a first-time director, delicately weaves together themes of identity, childhood innocence, and regional sociopolitical conflicts. The film was shot in 2023, right before ethnic conflict broke out in several areas of Manipur, and it was finished soon after.
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Image Courtesy: India Today
Screenings at the Warsaw International Film Festival, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne followed the film's world premiere in the Discovery section of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. Before its BAFTA recognition, 'Boong' has also received awards such as Best Feature Film at the International South Asian Film Festival in Canada and Best Youth Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards in Australia.
Impact and Reflection: A Milestone For Indian Cinema
In addition to being an Indian first, Boong's BAFTA victory proved the value of local narrative on the global stage. By winning the Best Children's & Family Film award, the Manipuri film helped highlight diverse cultural narratives and the potential of local cinema to resonate worldwide.
The success of the film, which is still being seen by fresh audiences, highlights that authentic stories with regional roots can win praise from all around the world, even when they are up against popular family movies and high-budget animated features.
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Boong's achievement may inspire further funding for local voices and up-and-coming directors in Indian cinema, extending the reach of films outside of traditional markets. The emotional acceptance speech by Lakshmipriya Devi, where she prayed for peace and hope in her home state, resonated with audiences and added depth to the film's global recognition.
Overall, with this historic BAFTA win, 'Boong' has ignited talks about inclusivity, cultural representation and the necessity of stories that resonate deeply with both local and international viewers.
