Manipuri comedy-drama film “Boong” and documentary “The Perfect Neighbor” directed by Geeta Gandhibir were among the headliners at the first of its kind South Asian festival held in London ahead of the British Academy Film and Television Arts 2026 (BAFTA). Produced by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment and directed by debutant director Lakshmipriya Devi, “Boong” is in the running for the award in the Best Children and Family Film category of the BAFTA Awards.
Indian American director Geeta Gandhbir has been nominated for a BAFTA award for best documentary for her film “The Perfect Neighbor”. It is also nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the Oscars next month. “We are living in a time, especially in America, which is a very worrying and dangerous time,” Gandhibir said in his address at the ‘Celebrating South Asians’ event held at the BAFTA headquarters in London on Friday evening.
“Being an Asian and a South Asian, it feels great to be here,” he said. I want to remind everyone that this is the time for us to work together with other marginalized communities.” The Emmy Award-winning filmmaker said, “It was the great Spike Lee who gave me my first break in the film industry… In fact, it was the black community of America that opened the doors for me and I stand on his shoulders. We are fighting this battle because whatever happens in America affects the whole world. Terrible policies, terrible ideas spread…we are stronger together.”
The film “Boong” was represented by the film’s assistant director Rahul Sharda at the event organized before the awards ceremony. On behalf of his team, he expressed happiness that a regional film from India is getting recognition on the global platform. Sharda said, “I love Bollywood, especially the song-and-dance films, but India has a lot to offer because of its cultural diversity. It feels great to know that there is a platform where our regional cinema is also being recognised.
The event was co-organized by ‘Society O’, a UK-based cultural platform dedicated to highlighting South Asian achievements. The 79th annual BAFTA awards ceremony will be held on Sunday at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
Disclaimer: Prabhasakshi has not edited this news. This news has been published from PTI-language feed.