Imphal: Amid the ethnic violence and political turmoil that has afflicted Manipur since May 2023, a beacon of hope has emerged. The debut film Boong by Manipuri filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi premiered on Saturday at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). For the first time, a Manipuri fiction film was featured in TIFF’s Discovery section, marking a significant milestone for the state’s film industry. The A-list film festival is taking place in Toronto, Canada from September 5-15, 2024.
Despite its rich legacy, Manipuri Cinema has faced challenges in recent years. The absence of awards for Manipur at the 2022 National Film Awards had dampened spirits, with critics predicting its decline. However, Boong’s selection at TIFF has reignited interest, bringing global attention back to Manipuri Cinema.
Before Boong, only two Manipuri films had been showcased at TIFF: the classic Imagi Ningthem by Aribam Syam Sharma and the documentary A Cry in the Dark by Haobam Paban Kumar. With Boong, the spotlight is again on Manipur, offering a glimpse into the state’s rich yet often overlooked cinematic tradition.
Supported by Bollywood’s Excel Entertainment, Boong tells the story of a young boy’s emotional journey to reunite his fractured family. Set in the village of Khurukhul in Imphal West and the town of Moreh on the India-Myanmar border, the film captures the essence of Manipur and its people, who lived in harmony before the recent violence.
Shot just months before the region was torn apart by ethnic strife, Boong serves as a poignant documentation of a Manipur that now feels distant. Moreh, once a thriving town known for its diversity, was a place of peaceful coexistence. The film was a collaborative effort, with residents from various ethnic backgrounds contributing to its production.
“It gives me chills to think that Boong might be the last documentation of Moreh as it was before the violence,” LP reflects. “The town, the people, the unity—it’s heartbreaking to know that it might never be the same again.”
LP’s passion for storytelling was inspired by her grandmother’s folk tales, which provided solace during Manipur’s turbulent times in the late 70s and early 80s. “The most comforting memory from my childhood is crawling into my grandmother’s bed at night, listening to her stories under the mosquito net while gunshots echoed in the distance. This film is my interpretation of those tales, intertwined with the sights, sounds, and smells I associate with Manipur,” she recalls.
LP’s dedication to capturing Manipur’s spirit is evident in her filmmaking approach. Despite her established Bollywood career, she chose to work with local, untrained crew members to ensure authenticity in Boong.
“It was challenging to navigate Manipur’s unpredictable terrain with a local crew and cast who had little or no background in film production,” LP admits. “The enthusiasm, love, and support from the diverse communities of Manipur made it possible to overcome these challenges and complete Boong. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to work with all the communities of Manipur.”
As displaced residents of Moreh, now living in relief camps, express their longing to see the film, Boong has become a time capsule of a Manipur that feels remote. The film’s narrative of a boy reuniting his family mirrors the state’s quest for healing.
In these dark times, Boong stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even amid division, the human spirit can find a way forward. Its success at TIFF not only highlights Manipur’s cultural richness but also amplifies voices from the margins—stories capable of resonating far beyond their borders.
