A Historic Milestone for the Power Couple
In a historic achievement, the dynamic actor-producer duo, Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, have notched a significant milestone with their debut production venture, “Girls Will Be Girls.” The film has secured a coveted spot at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, an accomplishment that places it among the elite few in the World Dramatic Feature category. This debut as producers at Sundance is a testament to their commitment to compelling storytelling and their vision to bring unique narratives to the global stage.
Sundance Film Festival 2024: A Global Platform for “Girls Will Be Girls”
“Girls Will Be Girls” is set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in the highly competitive World Dramatic Feature category, making it the only Indian feature selected for this distinguished festival. Sundance, renowned as one of the largest and most influential film festivals globally, receives thousands of submissions each year. The selection of “Girls Will Be Girls” among the exclusive 16 films in the competition section underscores its quality and the uniqueness of its narrative.
Plot and Vision: A Compelling Story Unveiled
Directed by Shuchi Talati, the film is a compelling narrative set in a boarding school in a small Himalayan hill town in northern India. It unfolds the journey of Mira, a 16-year-old girl whose rebellious awakening becomes intertwined with her mother’s unfulfilled coming-of-age experiences. The story explores the complexities of relationships and the intergenerational dynamics within the backdrop of a small Himalayan town, adding depth and cultural richness to the narrative.
Pushing Buttons Studios: A Venture into Film Production
“Girls Will Be Girls” is produced under the banner Pushing Buttons Studios, a venture initiated by Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal in March 2021. The film marks their foray into film production, and its selection at Sundance is a resounding validation of their commitment to innovative and meaningful storytelling. The cast includes accomplished Malayalam film actress Kani Kusruti, Jitin Gulati, along with debutants Preeti Panigrahi and Kesav Binoy Kiron in lead roles.
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Global Collaboration: Indo-French Official Co-Production
This Indo-French official co-production is a collaboration between Pushing Buttons Studios, Blink Digital, Crawling Angel Films, and Dolce Vita Films. The film’s selection at Sundance signifies a significant milestone in Indian cinema’s global outreach, highlighting the potential of collaboration and storytelling that transcends geographical boundaries. “Girls Will Be Girls” has already garnered international acclaim, receiving grants such as the Cinema Du Monde, the Arte Kino Prize, and the VFF Talent Highlight Award. It was also part of the Berlinale Talents Project Market in 2022.
Director’s Delight: Shuchi Talati on Sundance Selection
Expressing her delight, director Shuchi Talati said, “I am delighted that my first feature has been selected at the Mecca of cinema, Sundance. It is heartening to see a film shot and conceptualized in India make it to this mammoth international festival. At the heart of this coming-of-age drama is a love story between a mother and a daughter, and even though it is very rooted in Indian ethos, I am glad it resonates with people across many continents.”
Producers’ Perspective: Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal
Sharing her thoughts, producer Richa Chadha said, “Ali and I embarked on this production with a vision to tell unique stories. ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ making it to Sundance validates our commitment to compelling storytelling. We couldn’t be more thrilled. This journey has been about pushing boundaries and redefining narratives, and we are hopeful audiences worldwide will relate with the film. I am also elated the world will see Shuchi’s fresh voice and cinematic perspective and some excellent performances from our debutant actors.”
Adding to the excitement, Ali Fazal stated, “Being part of Sundance with our debut production is a dream realized. ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ is not just a film; it’s a celebration of storytelling, and we hope it leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of the audience. This project is a labor of love, and the recognition at Sundance is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire team.”
A Labor of Love and a Global Celebration of Storytelling
As “Girls Will Be Girls” makes its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, it marks not only a historic moment for Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal but also a celebration of storytelling that transcends borders. The film’s selection at Sundance is a testament to the power of compelling narratives and the potential of Indian cinema to resonate with a global audience. As the curtain rises at Sundance, “Girls Will Be Girls” promises to be a captivating journey that resonates with audiences worldwide.
