After BAFTA win, Manipuri film Boong bags top honours at New York Film Festival
Boong emerged as one of the top winners at the New York Indian Film Festival 2026, taking three awards. The result added to the Manipuri film's BAFTA milestone and underscored its continued international recognition.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards (BAFTA) recognised Manipuri film Boong emerged as one of the biggest winners at the recently concluded New York Indian Film Festival 2026, taking home three awards, including the Best Child Actor honour for its young lead. The four-day festival ended on Sunday with an awards ceremony recognising achievements in Indian independent cinema across ten competitive categories.
Held from May 28 to May 31, the festival showcased films in 15 Indian languages. This year’s edition opened with a special screening of Boong on May 29 and also featured a 4K restored screening of the cult classic Sholay.
Other major winners
Among the other major winners, Nikhil Yadav won the Best Actor award for Vimukt, while Meenakshi Jayan was named Best Actress for Victoria. The Best Screenplay award went to Nikhil Mahajan and Prajakt Deshmukh for Tighee.
In the documentary section, Deja Vu won Best Documentary Feature, while Waai secured the Best Documentary Short award. Jo's Turn was honoured as Best Narrative Short.
About Boong
Boong recently became the first Indian film to win an award at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards in the Best Children's and Family Film category. The Manipuri film follows Boong, a schoolboy searching for his absent father in conflict-affected Manipur while hoping to surprise his mother.
Set against racial tensions, the story explores love, discrimination and belonging as the child goes through an emotional journey. Produced by Excel Entertainment and starring Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam, the film had a limited theatrical release in September 2024. It was re-released on March 6 following its recognition at BAFTA.
The New York Indian Film Festival 2026 closed with Boong among its top winners, while also recognising performances, screenwriting and documentary work across categories, underlining the range of Indian independent cinema on display at the event.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards (BAFTA) recognised Manipuri film Boong emerged as one of the biggest winners at the recently concluded New York Indian Film Festival 2026, taking home three awards, including the Best Child Actor honour for its young lead. The four-day festival ended on Sunday with an awards ceremony recognising achievements in Indian independent cinema across ten competitive categories.
Held from May 28 to May 31, the festival showcased films in 15 Indian languages. This year’s edition opened with a special screening of Boong on May 29 and also featured a 4K restored screening of the cult classic Sholay.
Other major winners
Among the other major winners, Nikhil Yadav won the Best Actor award for Vimukt, while Meenakshi Jayan was named Best Actress for Victoria. The Best Screenplay award went to Nikhil Mahajan and Prajakt Deshmukh for Tighee.
In the documentary section, Deja Vu won Best Documentary Feature, while Waai secured the Best Documentary Short award. Jo's Turn was honoured as Best Narrative Short.
About Boong
Boong recently became the first Indian film to win an award at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards in the Best Children's and Family Film category. The Manipuri film follows Boong, a schoolboy searching for his absent father in conflict-affected Manipur while hoping to surprise his mother.
Set against racial tensions, the story explores love, discrimination and belonging as the child goes through an emotional journey. Produced by Excel Entertainment and starring Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam, the film had a limited theatrical release in September 2024. It was re-released on March 6 following its recognition at BAFTA.
The New York Indian Film Festival 2026 closed with Boong among its top winners, while also recognising performances, screenwriting and documentary work across categories, underlining the range of Indian independent cinema on display at the event.
