Imphal: “Boong”, a Manipuri-language film from debutante director Lakshmipriya Devi, has added another international feather to its cap with a nomination at the BAFTA Awards in the Children’s and Family Film category.
The nominations for the awards, officially called the EE BAFTA Film Awards, were announced by the British Academy in London.
“Boong”, backed by actor-producer Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, is pitted against Disney hits “Lilo & Stitch” and “Zootopia 2” as well as animated science fantasy film “Arco”.
Presented annually by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, the BAFTA Awards are among the most respected honours in global cinema. Boong’s nomination places it among some of the world’s most acclaimed family-oriented films, highlighting its appeal beyond India and the festival circuit.
The film stars Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam and tells a heartwarming story about a young boy raised by a single mother. The mischievous boy, played by first-time actor Gugun Kipgen, tries everything possible to find his father. Every year, he hopes his father will return for Holi and reunite with his mother.
Steeped in rich Manipuri culture, Boong was shot before the state was affected by the current conflict.
Filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi has previously worked as an assistant director on many Bollywood projects, including some Excel Entertainment films such as Lakshya, Luck by Chance, Talaash, and the limited series Dahaad.
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Boong had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in the Discovery section and went on to be officially selected for several prominent festivals, including the Warsaw International Film Festival 2024, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, the 55th International Film Festival of India, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025.
