LOOKEAST

LOOKEAST REPORT |

A historic and powerful moment unfolded on the global stage on Tuesday as the Manipuri film ‘Boong’, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, won the Best Children’s and Family Film award at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards function at London.

■ ‘Boong’ filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi on her surprise BAFTA win | Carlo Paloni

“Kurumjari (Greetings to everyone),” said Lakshmipriya Devi while addressing the august audience at a glittering award ceremony of BAFTA as Farhan Akhtar of Bollywood, the film’s producer, kept smiling from behind at the stage. Besides Akhtar, Vikesh Bhutani, Alan McAlex, Ritesh Sidhwani and Shujaat Saudagar were the other producers.

“It is a historic moment for Manipur; it (the award) is a homage to my homeland Manipur. The walk– up till here felt like the last few steps to reach the summit of a mountain we never knew we are climbing in the first place,” declared the debut film director from Manipur at the Royal Festival Hall of London.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his greetings to Mrs Devi for bagging the prestigious award. In his message on X, Mr Modi heaped praise on the success of the Manipuri–language film ‘Boong’,  terming the achievement “a moment of immense joy” and a proud milestone for Manipur and Indian cinema.

“This historic win is a breakthrough for Indian regional cinema’s power (to achieve) global success showcasing the growing influence of Manipuri storytelling on the international stage,” the Prime Minister said.

From a region long marked by unrest and struggle for a prolonged period, a story has finally risen that the world could not ignore. “Thank you to the jury members and BAFTA for giving our very small film such big love, a film that is not only rooted to a place which is very troubled, very much ignored and very unrepresented in India, my homeland Manipur, but also speaks of good culture,” Mrs Devi pointed out.

I just want to use this opportunity to say that we pray for peace to return to Manipur; we pray that all the internally displaced children including the child actors in the film, regain their joy, their innocence and their dream once again

“I just want to use this opportunity to say that we pray for peace to return to Manipur; we pray that all the internally displaced children including the child actors in the film, regain their joy, their innocence and their dream once again,”  she said while the audience gave her a standing ovation.

Making an impassioned plea for peace, Devi pleaded “We pray that no conflict is ever formidable enough to destroy the one superpower that all of us have as human beings, that is forgiveness.”

The cast of the film includes Gugun Kipgen, Bala Hijam Ningthoujam and Angom Sanamatum in prominent roles.  The film is about a schoolboy, Boong, who navigates racial tensions and border challenges in Manipur, driven by resilience and determination to reunite his divided family.

The movie which won the award, outshone global competitors, competing against other popular movies like ‘Zootopia 2’, ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and French sci–fi movie ‘Arco.’

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2025889330032718323?s=20

With PM Modi‘s latest statement celebrating the achievement, Boong has demonstrated that regional film can shine brightly on the world stage and stands as a symbol of India’s cultural richness and cinematic potential.

The ‘Boong’ is not only showcasing the innovative excellence of regional cinema but also signals a new era where diverse voices from India are gaining worldwide recognition. In fact, the film has ignited conversations about the power of storytelling rooted in local culture yet resonating universally.

The film’s success is also being framed as a turning point in Indian regional cinema’s prowess to attain global success, inspiring filmmakers across the country. ■