‘We Pray for Peace’: Indian Filmmaker From Troubled State Wins BAFTA

Published: 24 February 2026
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online

An Indian filmmaker from the conflict‑affected northeastern state of Manipur has made history on the global stage, winning a prestigious BAFTA award and using the moment to plead for peace in her homeland. The achievement represents a milestone for regional Indian cinema and shines a spotlight on ongoing unrest in a region often overlooked in national media.

The film, Boong, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, secured the Best Children’s and Family Film award at the 79th British Academy of Film and Television Arts ceremony held in London’s Royal Festival Hall on 22 February. It marked the first time an Indian entry — particularly a Manipuri‑language feature — has won in this category at the BAFTA Awards, outpacing major international contenders including Lilo & Stitch, Arco and Zootropolis 2.

Boong tells the poignant story of a young boy from Manipur searching for his missing father in an emotionally resonant narrative that reflects universal themes of family, resilience and hope. The film was produced by Excel Entertainment founders Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, along with co‑producers including Vikesh Bhutani and Alan McAlex. It premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and has since been showcased at a variety of global festivals before its limited release in Indian cinemas in late 2025.

Lakshmipriya Devi used her acceptance speech as a platform to cast international attention on the violence and displacement affecting Manipur, a state beset by intense ethnic confrontation since 2023. Addressing the assembled audience, she described Boong as “rooted in a place that is very troubled, very much ignored, and very unrepresented in India — my homeland, Manipur.” She then offered a heartfelt appeal: “We pray for peace to return to Manipur. We pray that all internally displaced children, including the young actors in our film, regain their joy, their innocence and their dreams once again.”

Her remarks drew significant attention because they contrasted sharply with the celebratory atmosphere of the awards ceremony. Rather than focusing solely on artistic achievement, Devi emphasised the lived reality of communities affected by conflict — an issue that has led to hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of people displaced within Manipur’s borders. This context gave her words urgency and resonance beyond the realms of cinema and award recognition.

The BAFTA win for Boong has been interpreted not only as a triumph for Indian cinema but also as a moment of cultural validation for storytellers from India’s Northeast, a region that has historically struggled for visibility within the broader national film industry. Influential figures across India’s film and political landscape responded to the achievement with commendations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other public leaders extended congratulations, framing the victory as a proud moment for the country and an affirmation of its artistic diversity.

For Devi, the accolade represents both personal success and collective inspiration. She opened her speech with a traditional greeting in her native Manipuri language, underscoring the cultural specificity that the film celebrates. Her emotional address emphasised the power of cinema to convey human stories from regions grappling with hardship and conflict, and to invite global audiences to reflect on issues of peace, belonging and resilience.

The impact of Boong has already begun to ripple beyond awards recognition. Producers and supporters of the film have pointed out that its success could open doors for other regional films, expanding opportunities for storytellers whose voices are seldom amplified at major international platforms. The award also renews conversations about how art and culture intersect with socio‑political realities, especially in areas affected by unrest.

In the aftermath of the BAFTA celebration, Boong has become a symbol of pride, hope and artistic achievement for many in Manipur and beyond, bridging the gap between local stories and global audiences. As Devi articulated in her speech, the film’s recognition stands not only as a cinematic milestone but also as a prayer — a call for peace and restoration for her troubled homeland.

Read More At>>