Imphal: Two critically acclaimed Manipuri films – Boong and Langdai Ama (The Juncture) – will be screened at the 10-day 17th Habitat Film Festival (HFF) that began in New Delhi on Friday.
Lahshmipriya Devi’s 94-minute-long Boong tells the story of the title character – a little boy named Boong living in the valley of Manipur -who plans to surprise his mother with a gift. In his innocence, he believes that bringing his absentee father back home would be the most special gift.
Boong’s search for his father disintegrates his world but culminates in an unexpected gift. The film will be screened on Sunday – May18.
The main cast includes Gugun Kipgen, Bala Hijam Ningthoujam, Angom Sanamtum, Vikram Kochar, Modhubala Thoudam, Jenny Khurai, Nemetia Ngangbam, Edhou and Hamom Sadananda.
The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival 2024, won the Best Feature Film award in the International South Asian Film Festival 2024, Canada; Best Youth Film award in the Asia Pacific Screen Awards 2024, Australia, and also got nominated for Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film in the International Film Festival of India 2024, Goa.
Binoranjan Oinam’s Langdai Ama (The Juncture) narrates the story of filmmaker Thoiba Rajkumar, whose life is torn apart as his parents head for a divorce. But what is interesting is that while his father aims to reach the skies and plans for a better livelihood, his mother fights for sticking to the roots and preserving heritage which brings about an undeniable strain in their relationship. It will be screened on May 20.
The film received the Best Director Award in the 9th Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival 2024; and the Best Screenplay Award in the 2nd North East India Film Festival (NEIFF) 2025.
