New York: The 2026 New York Indian Film Festival is set to kick off with a powerful start, featuring the BAFTA-winning Manipuri-language film Boong as its opening night selection. The festival, running from May 28 to 31 in New York City, will also celebrate Bollywood nostalgia with a 4K-restored gala screening of the classic Sholay, including its original ending, on May 28.
Director Laksmipriya Devi will attend the May 29 opening night screening of “Boong” and participate in a post-screening discussion. Set against the landscape of a border town in Manipur, the film tells the story of a young boy seeking to bring his absent father home, exploring themes of longing, identity, and fractured family life, according to Variety magazine.
“With ‘Boong,’ we are opening the festival with a lovely film that blends humor and struggle in a rarely visited part of India,” said Aseem Chhabra. “It is authentic, rooted, and internationally recognized – exactly the kind of cinema NYIFF champions. The film won a BAFTA award beating two major contenders produced by Disney.”
The festival’s centerpiece will be the world premiere of the Punjabi-language film Flowers of Acacia on May 30. Directed by Anmol Sidhu and presented by Shonali Bose, the film delves into the grip of patriarchal customs in Indian society.
Special screenings include the 25th anniversary of Dil Chahta Hai of the Marathi-language film Tighee (Motherhood), directed by first-time filmmaker Jeejivisha Kale and produced by National Film Award winner Nikhil Mahajan. Lead actors Nehha Pendse and Sonalee Kulkarni are expected to attend.
“Closing the festival with ‘Tighee’ is incredibly special,” said Suman Gollamudi. “It is a film of rare emotional intelligence – intimate, powerful, and deeply human – leaving audiences with a sense of reflection and connection.”
The festival promises a blend of cinematic heritage, contemporary storytelling, and culturally rich narratives, showcasing the depth and diversity of Indian cinema to international audiences.
