Boong

US Premiere

Official Selection, 2024 Toronto International Film Festival

Set in the vibrant and ethnically tense landscape of Manipur, BOONG is a lively coming-of-age tale capturing the heartwarming 100 mile trek of little Boong, a lovable troublemaker and Madonna fan, with a slingshot always at his side. Boong dreams of bringing his mother the ultimate gift – his father, who mysteriously vanished while expanding his furniture business. Only thing is, no one knows where he lives or if he is even alive. With his best friend Raju and the only existing photo of his father, the two kids use their wits to cross militarized borders and simmering Manipur tensions, on an adventure that will challenge their chutzpah and their hearts.

Boong navigates small-town life with Raju, who faces ostracism because of his ethnicity. As they tumble in and out of mischief and misadventures, their charming brotherhood stands strong in the face of the complex world around them. Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, herself from Manipur, BOONG uses a kids’ tale to give viewers a look at an underrepresented area and its contemporary tensions, while weaving a touching story of chosen family, resilience, and acceptance.

– Matthias Hong