Historic BAFTA Win for Manipuri Film 'Boong' Marred by Speech Controversy
The Manipuri film 'Boong' has achieved a monumental milestone in Indian cinema by winning the BAFTA 2026 award in the Best Children's and Family Film category. This victory marks the first time an Indian movie has ever received this prestigious honor from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, bringing global recognition to regional Indian storytelling.
BAFTA Faces Backlash Over Removal of Director's Acceptance Speech
Despite the celebratory achievement, the British Academy is facing significant criticism for its decision to remove the winning speech of Manipuri filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi from its official social media platforms. The director used her acceptance moment to call for peace in the troubled Indian state of Manipur, a message that resonated with many but was subsequently taken down without explanation.
In her powerful address, Lakshmipriya Devi expressed gratitude while highlighting the challenges facing her homeland: "Thank you to the jury members and BAFTA for giving our very small film such big love, a film that is rooted in a very troubled, very much ignored, and very underrepresented region in India, my homeland, Manipur. It's an homage to my homeland."
She continued with an emotional plea: "Just want to use this opportunity to say that we pray for peace to return to Manipur. We pray that all the internally displaced children, including the child actors in the film, regain their joy, their innocence, and their dreams once again."
Social Media Outcry and Demands for Reinstatement
The removal of this speech from BAFTA's X and Instagram accounts sparked immediate backlash across social media platforms. Prominent social activist Binalakshmi Nepram led the charge, posting on X: "Dear @BAFTA, did you remove the acceptance speech of an Indigenous Woman Director of award-winning film from Manipur, BOONG, from your social media accounts @X & Instagram? If yes, erasure of the acceptance speech of Director is tantamount to cultural erasure of Indigenous Peoples & women's voices & must be reinstated immediately."
Other netizens joined the chorus, demanding transparency and explanation from the British Academy. Interestingly, reports indicate that the video was later reposted on BAFTA's YouTube channel after initially being removed from multiple platforms, though the organization has yet to issue any official statement regarding the controversy.
About the Groundbreaking Film 'Boong'
Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, 'Boong' features an ensemble cast including:
- Gugun Kipgen
- Bala Hijam
- Angom Sanamatum
- Vikram Kochhar
- Nemetia Ngangbam
- Jenny Khurai
- Hamom Sadananda
The film's BAFTA success has generated renewed interest, with plans for a theatrical re-release scheduled for March 6, 2026. This recognition represents a significant breakthrough for regional Indian cinema on the global stage, demonstrating that powerful storytelling transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
The dual narrative of historic achievement and subsequent controversy highlights the complex intersection of art, politics, and representation in international award ceremonies. As 'Boong' celebrates its groundbreaking win, the conversation continues about whose voices are amplified and whose messages face censorship in global entertainment platforms.
