Photo Courtesy: northeasttoday
Imphal: The Manipuri film Boong solidified its reputation on the international stage by winning three major awards at the 2026 New York Indian Film Festival. Director Lakshmipriya Devi received the Best Director honor, while young lead Gugun Kipgen took home the Best Child Actor award. The festival critics also named the project the Best Debut Film during the four-day event hosted by the Indo-American Arts Council.
These wins follow a historic achievement at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards, where Boong became the first Indian production to win Best Children and Family Film. The movie outperformed major international titles like Zootopia 2 and Lilo and Stitch, marking a significant milestone for regional Indian cinema.
Produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment, the film tells a sensitive coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of displacement and conflict in Manipur. Critics praised the production for its authentic cultural portrayal and emotional depth. The festival concluded on Sunday after showcasing a diverse lineup of 50 films from India and its global diaspora.
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