The remarkable global journey of Manipuri cinema received another major boost as Boong, filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi’s acclaimed coming-of-age drama, emerged as one of the biggest winners at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) 2026, securing three prestigious awards at the festival’s closing ceremony in New York.
The film won the awards for Best Director, Best Child Actor and Best Debut Film, reaffirming its growing stature on the international festival circuit. Director Lakshmipriya Devi was honoured with the Best Director trophy, while young actor Gugun Kipgen received the Best Child Actor award for his performance in the film. Boong was also named Best Debut Film by the festival’s critics’ panel.
The awards were announced at the conclusion of the four-day New York Indian Film Festival, regarded as North America’s longest-running showcase of Indian independent cinema. The 2026 edition brought together filmmakers, actors and cinephiles from across the globe, featuring works in multiple Indian languages and highlighting the diversity of contemporary Indian storytelling.
For Boong, the latest triumph adds to an already extraordinary year. Earlier in 2026, the Manipuri-language film made history by becoming the first Indian film to win a BAFTA in the Best Children’s and Family Film category, defeating major international contenders including Zootopia 2 and Lilo & Stitch. The achievement placed both the film and Manipuri cinema firmly on the global map.
Written and directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong tells the story of a young boy growing up in Manipur amid social tensions and uncertainty, embarking on a journey in search of his missing father. Through a child’s perspective, the film explores themes of family, resilience, identity and hope against the backdrop of the region’s complex realities.
The film stars Gugun Kipgen in the title role alongside Bala Hijam and a supporting cast drawn largely from Manipur. Produced by Excel Entertainment and associated production partners, the film first gained international attention with its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival before embarking on a successful festival run.
The NYIFF recognition is being viewed as another milestone for regional Indian cinema, particularly films emerging from the Northeast. Industry observers note that Boong’s success demonstrates how locally rooted stories can resonate with audiences far beyond their place of origin, while also bringing greater visibility to the cultural and artistic landscape of Manipur.
