In a remarkable leap from the silver screen to the world of production, Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal are paving a new path with their inaugural venture, ‘Girls Will Be Girls,’ slated for its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival on January 20. This debut production emerges as a testament to their shared vision of exploring untold stories, set against the backdrop of an alluring Himalayan hill town.
Among the elite selected within the World Dramatic Cinema category, ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ is the collaborative brainchild of Pushing Buttons Studios and Blink Digital, alongside Crawling Angel Films and Dolce Vita Films. Director Shuchi Talati takes the helm of this project, navigating through a powerful narrative ensconced in the bucolic setting of a boarding school, where the tale of youthful defiance and maternal nostalgia intertwine.
Richa and Ali have embarked on their journey to Park City, Utah, infused with passion and anticipation, to put forth their cinematic creation to a global audience. Elated about the film’s inclusion in such a revered festival, Richa Chadha articulated her pride for the achievement, recognizing the potential in Shuchi Talati’s directorial prowess and the fresh talent of the cast, which includes the insightful portrayal of a mother by Kani Kusruti. Notably, Kusruti recently captivated audiences with her role in ‘Killer Soup,’ fortifying her standing as an actress of considerable merit.
As expressive and dynamic as ever, Richa confirms the film’s alignment with their aspiration to narrate powerful, unique stories that resonate with audiences far and wide. A sentiment echoed by Ali Fazal, who embraces the prospect of unearthing new narrative landscapes. His enthusiasm for Sundance as a gateway to undiscovered cinematic dimensions is palpable as he acknowledges the esteemed jury attracted by their production.
‘Girls Will Be Girls’ transcends the ordinary by embracing a narrative pulsating with the verve of 16-year-old Preeti Panigrahi, deftly capturing her unruly awakening while intricately lacing it with the subdued yearnings of her mother’s past. The cast is enhanced by the performances of Jitin Gulati and Kesav Binoy Kiron, who play pivotal roles, contributing to the tapestry of this emotionally-charged saga.
Richa Chadha’s fervor is evident as she envisions a narrative that reflects both individuality and universal appeal — an earnest portrayal of the complexity within female journeys. She reflects on the rare opportunity to break through the competitive barriers of elite cinema festivals and the sense of blessedness that comes with having their story being shared on such a prestigious platform.
Ali Fazal’s insightful commentary captures the ethos of their regional storytelling ambition and the excitement of embarking on this production journey with something as deeply compelling as ‘Girls Will Be Girls.’ Sundance’s reputation for discovering groundbreaking independent films fits perfectly with their mission to bring forth narratives that challenge and engage on multiple levels.
As ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ prepares for its much-anticipated premiere, the convergence of innovative storytelling, passionate producers, and the venerable Sundance Film Festival stage creates a fertile ground for what promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience. Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, in their new found role as producers, are on the cusp of offering a fresh lens through which the international audience can view the intricacies of human experience, set against the enigmatic beauty of India’s northern hillscapes.
