Juno Films has secured the North American rights to the film 'Girls Will Be Girls,' a poignant mother-daughter drama that made its debut at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. The movie is scheduled to be showcased at SXSW next week before its theatrical release later this fall. Directed by Shuchi Talati, 'Girls Will Be Girls' unfolds at a strict boarding school nestled in the Himalayas, where the 16-year-old protagonist Mira's journey of sexual and rebellious self-discovery is interrupted by her mother, who never had the chance to experience her own coming-of-age.
The film features a talented cast including Preeti Panigrahi, Kani Kusruti, and Kesav Binoy Kiron. Notably, it received the audience award in the world cinema drama category at Sundance, garnering praise for its compelling narrative and nuanced performances.
In a statement, Talati expressed her enthusiasm for collaborating with Juno Films, highlighting the company's supportive approach towards filmmakers and unwavering commitment to their projects. Despite being rooted in Indian culture, Talati believes that 'Girls Will Be Girls' resonates with a broad audience, eagerly anticipating the moment when the film connects with viewers on an emotional and thought-provoking level.
A review by Variety described the film as a 'thrilling, intimate debut,' commending its ability to navigate complex themes and character dynamics with finesse. The narrative intricacies of 'Girls Will Be Girls' were lauded for their ability to cohesively come together, offering audiences a blend of tension, humor, discomfort, and emotional depth.
The distribution deal was finalized through negotiations between Lux Box Films and Juno Films, with the latter's CEO, Vondah Elizabeth Sheldon, praising the film for its exploration of female sexuality within the confines of conservative societal norms. Sheldon lauded Talati's directorial debut for its subtle yet profound examination of power dynamics, female desire, and agency.
Juno Films, known for its curated selection of independent cinema, has previously released acclaimed titles such as Lasse Hallstrom's 'Hilma,' the Gaelic comedy 'Roise & Frank,' and the documentary 'What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael.'
