Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh congratulated acclaimed filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi after her Manipuri-language film Boong won the Best Children’s & Family Film award at the 79th British Academy of Film & Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards 2026 in London, calling the achievement a moment of pride for both the State and the nation. Boong made history by beating international contenders including Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch and Arco to claim the prestigious honour.
In a post on social media, the Chief Minister expressed his “heartiest congratulations” to Devi, noting that the film’s success reflects her exceptional creativity and dedication and elevates the stature of Manipuri art and culture on the global stage. He also extended appreciation on behalf of the people of Manipur and wished her continued success.
At the BAFTA ceremony, Lakshmipriya Devi used her acceptance speech to call international attention to the ongoing situation in her home state. She described Boong as a film “rooted in a place which is very troubled, very much ignored, and very underrepresented in India, my homeland, Manipur,” and said she wanted to use the platform to express a heartfelt plea for peace to return to the region. Devi prayed that “all the internally displaced children, including the child actors in the film, regain their joy, their innocence, and their dreams once again,” and emphasised the importance of hope and forgiveness.
Produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under the banner of Excel Entertainment, Boong portrays the story of a young boy whose innocent journey leads to transformative change. The film has already garnered acclaim at international festivals, including screenings at the Toronto International Film Festival and the International Film Festival of India, and its BAFTA win marks a milestone for regional Indian cinema on the world stage.
Lakshmipriya Devi’s speech and the film’s recognition have sparked conversation about Manipur’s cultural identity and socio-political realities, drawing global attention to voices from the Northeast that are often underrepresented in mainstream narratives.