Mcb777 LiveRicha Chadha & Ali Fazal’s 'Girls Will Be Girls' Makes History at Independent Spirit Awards

Girls Will Be Girls made history by winning the John Cassavetes Award at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards, marking the first time an Indian film has received this recognition. Directed by Shuchi Talati and produced by Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, the film tells a powerful coming-of-age story set in a strict Himalayan boarding school.

Richa Chadha & Ali Fazal’s film wins the coveted John Cassavetes award

Girls Will Be Girls has made history by winning the John Cassavetes Award at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards. The is the first-ever Indian film to receive the honour, an incredible milestone for Indian cinema at one of the most prestigious awards in the independent film world. This category of the award is given annually to the best film made on a budget of under $1 million.
This announcement was one of the biggest moments of the night, alongside other major category winners including Anora and Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain.
Directed and written by Shuchi Talati, the film also marks the debut of Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal as producers. The film, which premiered on on December 18, 2024, has received critical acclaim, with many calling it one of the best coming-of-age, women-led films to come out of India.

Starring Kani Kusruti, Preeti Panigrahi, and Kesav Binoy Kiran, the film tells the story of Mira, a young girl at a strict boarding school nestled in the Himalayas. As Mira navigates her sexual awakening and explores desire and romance, her journey is interrupted by her mother, who never had the chance to experience a similar coming-of-age journey. The film’s raw portrayal of adolescence, identity, and familial conflict has struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
Sharing her excitement, Richa Chadha said in a statement, “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 get recognised 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.�?br/>To this, Ali Fazal added, “This win is a momentous one for us, and for 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.�?br/>Shuchi Talati, the visionary director and writer behind the film, also expressed her gratitude, saying, “This is more than just an award for me �?it is a powerful affirmation of the story we set out to tell. It was a labor of love, and to have it resonate with audiences and critics alike is beyond amazing. I am also glad Richa and my friendship has culminated in this artistic way.
Alongside the film’s historic win, Richa Chadha made her own mark in history by becoming the first-ever Indian actor and producer to win an Independent Spirit Award.

End of Article