Boong Makes History At BAFTA, Mamata Banerjee Praises Landmark Win For Indian Cinema
The Manipuri coming-of-age film Boong has created history by winning the Best Children and Family Film honour at the BAFTA Awards 2026, becoming the first Indian production to secure the award in this category. The achievement has drawn widespread praise across the country, including appreciation from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who congratulated the cast and crew for bringing global recognition to regional Indian cinema.
Mamata Banerjee Applauds Historic Achievement
Banerjee took to social media to celebrate the milestone, calling the win a proud moment for the nation. She described the recognition as a breakthrough for Indian storytelling on global platforms and commended the filmmakers for overcoming challenges to achieve international success.
The award places the Manipuri film industry in the global spotlight and reflects growing global interest in regional Indian narratives.
Story And Global Journey Of The Film
Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong follows a young boy in Manipur who sets out on a deeply emotional journey to find his missing father. The narrative explores personal loss, childhood resilience and the broader social tensions in the region, blending intimate storytelling with political context.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024 and travelled across several international festivals before its theatrical release in India in September 2025. Its BAFTA victory came ahead of major global contenders, signalling increasing recognition for Indian regional cinema beyond mainstream industries.
Production Backing And Industry Impact
The project was produced under Excel Entertainment, led by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, highlighting the growing collaboration between mainstream Hindi film producers and regional filmmakers.
During the acceptance speech, director Lakshmipriya Devi reportedly used the platform to call for peace and representation for Manipur, reinforcing the film’s social relevance alongside its artistic success.
Wider Context In Manipur
The recognition arrives at a time of political transition in the state following the swearing-in of a new government led by Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh earlier this month after a period of President’s Rule. Observers note that global cultural visibility through films like Boong contributes to broader conversations around identity, representation and stability in the region.
Boong’s BAFTA win marks a defining moment for Indian cinema, particularly for regional filmmaking traditions that often remain underrepresented internationally. The film’s journey — from festival circuits to one of the world’s most prestigious awards — highlights the expanding global appetite for authentic local stories rooted in lived realities.