'Boong', 'Langdai Ama' listed for 17th HFF
Source: Chronicle News Service / Meghachandra Kongbam

Imphal, May 14 2025: The 17th Habitat Film Festival (HFF) is set to return to the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, from May 16 to 25.Renowned for its celebration of Indian regional, independent, and award-winning cinema across more than 24 languages, the iconic festival offers cinephiles an immersive experience of pan-Indian storytelling through critically acclaimed films, masterclasses, documentaries, shorts, and retrospectives.

Among the highlights of this year's festival are two critically acclaimed Manipuri films - 'Boong' by director and screenwriter Lakshmipriya Devi, and 'Langdai Ama' (The Juncture) by director-screenwriter Binoranjan Oinam.

Both films have been officially selected for screening during the prestigious 10-day festival at the national capital.

Each screening will be followed by an interactive Q&A session between the filmmakers and the discerning New Delhi audience.

Lakshmipriya's 'Boong', a 94-minute feature, will be screened on May 18.The film tells the poignant story of a young boy named Boong, who lives in the valley of Manipur and wishes to surprise his mother with what he believes to be the perfect gift - reuniting her with his estranged father.

His innocent quest to bring his father home unravels his world, ultimately leading to an unexpected gift.

The main cast includes Gugun Kipgen, Bala Hijam, Angom Sanamatum, Vikram Kochar, Modhubala Thoudam, Jenny Khurai, Nemetia Ngangbam, Edhou, and Hamom Sadananda.

'Boong' premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024 and has since garnered numerous accolades, including Best Fea ture Film at the International South Asian Film Festival 2024 (Canada), Best Youth Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards 2024 (Australia), and the Audience Choice Award for Best Narrative Feature Film at the Indie Meme Film Festival 2024 (Austin, Texas) .

It was also nominated for Best Debut Director of an Indian Feature Film at the International Film Festival of India 2024, Goa.

Binoranjan's 'Langdai Ama' (The Juncture), an 83-minute feature, will be screened on May 20.The narrative follows filmmaker Thoiba Rajkumar as he grapples with the emotional turmoil of his parents' divorce.

While his father aspires to a better life, his.

mother remains rooted in tradition and committed to preserving their cultural heritage, setting the stage for an inevitable strain in their relationship.

The film features Amarr Mayanglambam, Tonthoi Leishangthem, Amarjeet Rajkumar Heisnam, Indu Devi, and Jayvidya Ningthouja.

'Langdai Ama' has earned critical recognition, including the Best Director Award at the 9th Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival 2024 and Best Screenplay at the 2nd North East India Film Festival (NEIFF) 2025 .

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