acclaimed manipuri film boongDirected and written by Lakshmipriya Devi, has been nominated for a BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) in the Best Children and Family Film category.

boong Arcougo Bienvenu’s animated science fiction French film has been nominated along with films such as ArcoAmerican science fiction comedy of Dean Fletcher Camp lilo and stitch and Jared Bush-Byron Howard Zootropolis (Zootopia) 2.

Produced by Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures, boong It attracted considerable attention after its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. The film tells the story of a young boy from a Manipuri village who lives with his single mother after his father Joykumar goes missing due to unknown reasons. Once he takes a job out of town, Joykumar disappears without a trace, and the family is left with unanswered questions. The boy, determined to give his mother “the best gift ever”, sets out on a journey with his friend to search for his missing father, who forms the emotional center of the film.

boong It was released in PVR Inox cinemas in select cities in September 2025. Speaking about its theatrical release, director Lakshmipriya Devi had said: “boong This is the book I couldn’t write because of my poor English! The film is inspired by my grandmother’s folktales, which filled me with a special kind of fuzzy warmth as a child. It is dedicated to the resilience of the people of Manipur. I’m experiencing this crazy mix of disbelief, joy and gratitude that a Manipuri film is finally reaching a wide audience in mainland India! come and say hello boong!”

In addition to the Best Children’s and Family Film nominees, Hamnet, Martyr Supreme, One on One Battle, Sinner And sentimental value Has been nominated in the Best Film category.