At the 79th British Academy Film Awards held in London, director Lakshmipriya Devi seized the opportunity to advocate for peace in Manipur, her native state. Devi’s film “Boong,” backed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, clinched the Best Children’s & Family Film accolade, shining a spotlight on the northeastern Indian region globally.
In her acceptance speech, Devi, speaking in her mother tongue, expressed gratitude to the jury and BAFTA for embracing their modest film with immense love. She emphasized that “Boong” is deeply rooted in Manipur, a troubled and overlooked region in India, and conveyed her hopes for peace to be restored in the state, especially for the internally displaced children and young actors featured in the film.
The prestigious event unfolded at London’s Royal Festival Hall, with renowned Bollywood figure Alia Bhatt gracing the stage as one of the award presenters.
“Boong,” directed by Devi and co-produced with Vikesh Bhutani, Alan McAlex, and Shujaat Saudagar, features Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam in lead roles. Premiering at the Discovery section of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, the movie has garnered attention at various international film festivals.
The narrative revolves around a young boy from Manipur’s valley determined to reunite his family by bringing his father back home, believing it to be the ultimate gift for his mother. The storyline evolves into a poignant yet hopeful journey, blending childhood innocence with reflections on family dynamics and displacement.
Devi’s speech shed light on Manipur’s plight, plagued by intense ethnic conflicts since 2023. The clashes between the Meitei community and Kuki-Zo groups have led to numerous casualties, mass displacements, and a de facto division of the state into ethnically controlled territories under federal surveillance. This unrest has largely kept Manipur out of the spotlight in Indian media and cinema, a gap that “Boong” strives to address through a personal and humane approach.
By leveraging the global platform provided by BAFTA, Devi not only celebrated her film’s success but also amplified the voices of the affected children and families. Her words underscored cinema’s potential to raise awareness and humanize conflicts often sidelined in mainstream discussions.
“Boong” is earning widespread acclaim for its empathetic storytelling and its ability to blend cultural nuances with universal themes of family, hope, and resilience. Critics commend Devi for bridging regional cinema with international audiences, offering a rare glimpse into a lesser-known facet of India on the world stage.