A coming-of-age story and mother-daughter drama told with sensitivity, set in a world still shaped by patriarchy. 16-year-old Mira is named the first-ever prefect at her elite Himalayan boarding school – her path to academic excellence seems to be mapped out. Alas, Sri, the sophisticated son of a diplomat, awakens romantic feelings and sexual desire within her upon his arrival at the school. This sparks an exciting journey of self-discovery, from which Mira’s mother Anila, who never had the chance to grow up on her own terms, also derives increasingly liberating energy.

The further her relationship to Sri progresses, the testier Mira becomes towards her mother. To keep a watchful eye on them, Anila suggests that the two teenagers should only be permitted to meet at Mira’s house. This arrangement sets the heart of the film in motion: an emotional love triangle between Mira, Sri and Anila.

Shuchi Talati is a New-York-based filmmaker from India, a graduate of the American Film Institute and an alum of the talent promotion program “Berlinale Talents”. Her second short film, A PERIOD PIECE, was selected for the South by Southwest Film Festival (SXSW) in Austin/Texas. Furthermore, she won numerous awards with her short film MAE AND ASH. Her multi-award-winning feature film debut, GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS, premiered in competition at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Filmography: 2013 MAE AND ASH, 2019 A PERIOD PIECE (both short films), 2024 GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS

Awards (selection): Audience Award: World Cinema Dramatic (Sundance Film Festival, USA 2024), Award for Best Director in the International Competition (Sofia International Film Festival, Bulgaria 2024)