By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Manipuri cinema earned international recognition at the 2026 New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) as Boong secured three significant honors during the event’s closing ceremony.
The film’s young protagonist, Gugun Kipgen, was recognized with the Best Child Actor award for his performance, while filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi received the Best Director trophy. Adding to its success, Boong was also named Best Debut Film by the festival’s critics’ panel.
The four-day festival, organised by the Indo-American Arts Council, came to an end on Sunday after presenting a diverse selection of Indian independent films. This year’s lineup featured 19 feature films, four documentaries and 27 short films from different parts of the country.
Festival organisers noted that entries representing 15 Indian languages reflected the expanding global appeal of regional cinema. They highlighted how locally rooted stories are increasingly finding audiences beyond national borders.
Among the acting honours, Nikhil Vaid was adjudged Best Actor for his role in Vinnukut. The Best Actress award was shared by Meenakshi Jayan for Mahajan, Victoria Thek for her performance, and Prajakta Deshmukh for Tighee.
In the non-fiction category, Deja Vu emerged as the winner of the Best Documentary Feature award, while Jo’s Turn was selected as the top narrative short film.
Addressing the audience during the festival’s conclusion, Indo-American Arts Council chairman Nirmal Mattoo praised the breadth of storytelling showcased at the event. He remarked that many of the featured productions explored themes relevant to contemporary generations while remaining deeply connected to regional traditions and identities.
The festival wrapped up with a special screening of Boong on May 29, bringing the curtain down on another successful edition of NYIFF and reaffirming its role as an important international platform for Indian independent filmmakers.