MUMBAI: India’s Girls Will Be Girls has made history by winning the highly coveted John Cassavetes Award at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards. The film is the first-ever Indian film to receive the honor, 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, and Girls Will Be Girls stood out among a remarkable field of contenders.
The announcement of the win was one of the biggest moments of the night, alongside other major category winners including Anora and Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain. The Film Independent Spirit Awards are renowned for celebrating the finest in independent filmmaking, and Girls Will Be Girls’ historic win underscores the growing global recognition of Indian cinema.
Directed and written by Shuchi Talati, Girls Will Be Girls also marks the debut of celebrated Indian actors Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal as producers under their production banner, Pushing Buttons Studios. The film, which premiered on Prime Video India 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.
Girls Will Be Girls stars Kani Kusruti, Preeti Panigrahi, and Kesav Binoy Kiran, and tells the poignant 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.
Richa Chadha shared her excitement, saying, “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.”
Ali Fazal echoed his co-producer’s sentiment, adding, “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.”
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.
"We are beyond thrilled and humbled to receive this incredible honor," added Talati. "This film was a labor of love, and to see it being recognized on such a prestigious platform is a dream come true, especially since the cinema of John Cassavete is something that resonates with me. This win is for the entire team who believed in this story and for all the women and girls whose voices are waiting to be heard."
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