‘Girls Will Be Girls’ is an Indian coming-of-age drama film that grabbed the John Cassavetes Award at the prestigious 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California. The film is directed by Shuchi Talati and produced by Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal.
It’s the first Indian film to win this prestigious award, a landmark in the world of Indian independent cinema. An award given to the best film made on less than a million dollar budget, was presented on Saturday in Santa Monica.
‘Girls Will Be Girls’ Shines
This film competed against four other nominees: Big Boys, Ghostlight, Jazzy, and The People’s Joker. ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ had great performances and a strong story. It centers on a young girl named Mira growing up in a strict boarding school, tackling issues of identity, rebellion, and self-discovery.
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The director of ‘Girls Will Be Girls’, Shuchi Talati, expressed her thoughts of gratitude as she said, “This award is a lot more than a trophy-even as it validates the story we set out to tell. It was a labor of love in making the film and that audience all over the world is resonating with it.”
Remarks of Richa Chadha & Ali
Producer Richa Chadha, who co-starred in the film, said, “This win feels like a dream. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created with Girls Will Be Girls. This film represents not just a personal journey, but a collective effort of a team that believed in its voice. To see it recognized on such a grand stage is humbling. As the first Indian actor and producer to win an Independent Spirit Award, I feel like this is not just my victory, but a victory for all of us working to make diverse, authentic stories.”
Co-producer Ali Fazal noted, “This win is a momentous one for us and Indian cinema as a whole. The spirit of independent filmmaking is about taking risks and telling the truth, no matter how uncomfortable or challenging that may be. Girls Will Be Girls does exactly that. I am proud to be part of a film that is pushing boundaries and making history.”
