During the morning assembly at school, Boong is called upon to recite a prayer. Unprepared for the task, the boy decides to recite the lyrics of Madonna’s Like a Virgin instead. It’s his father’s favourite song — a man who left to work abroad years ago and hasn’t been in touch since. When news reaches the village that Boong’s mother has become a widow, the boy, together with his best friend Raju, decides to set out for Myanmar in search of his father. Boong believes that finding him would be the best birthday gift for his mum.

The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and is an example of the kind of cinema we love to showcase at Ale Kino!. The debut director has managed to tell the story of a boy searching for his parent in a way that is both humorous and profound. Alongside its many comic moments, Boong carries great emotional depth. It’s a political dramedy that addresses issues of social inequality, national identity, and hypocrisy — themes that often lead to serious conflict.