In a dazzling showcase of Indian cinematic brilliance, two films, “Girls Will Be Girls” and “Nocturnes,” stood out and claimed special jury awards at the prestigious 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

The event, held at the Ray Theater in the picturesque Park City, Utah, on Friday, witnessed the well-deserved recognition of Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s production debut, “Girls Will Be Girls,” and Anirban Dutta-Anupama Srinivasan’s captivating documentary, “Nocturnes.”

Directed by Shuchi Talati, “Girls Will Be Girls” took home not one, but two awards, cementing its status as a standout film at the festival. The coming-of-age drama clinched the Audience Award in the World Cinema Dramatic category, capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide.

Also Read: Ali Fazal expresses admiration for Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu

Additionally, the film secured the Special Jury Award for Acting, a testament to the exceptional performance of Preeti Panigrahi, who portrayed the 16-year-old protagonist, Mira. The story unfolds at a Himalayan boarding school, exploring the intricate nuances of adolescence. Kani Kusruti’s portrayal of Mira’s mother, Anila, also added depth to the film.

Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, in a joint statement, expressed their elation at the success of “Girls Will Be Girls,” describing it as a dream come true. They emphasized the film’s impact on reinforcing their belief in the power of storytelling and the necessity to champion diverse narratives that resonate globally. The recognition received at Sundance serves as a powerful motivation for the duo to continue pushing boundaries and bringing forth new and compelling stories.

On a different yet equally captivating note, “Nocturnes,” the documentary delving into the lives of hawk moths in the Himalayas, earned the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Craft. The accolade recognizes the film’s meticulous attention to detail and its overall cinematic craftsmanship, highlighting the dedication and skill of its creators, Anirban Dutta and Anupama Srinivasan.

Remarkably, the success of “Nocturnes” marks the fourth consecutive year that Indian filmmakers have received accolades at Sundance. Previous honorees include “Writing with Fire” in 2021, “All That Breathes” in 2022, and “Against The Tide” in the preceding year. The recognition at Sundance underscores the growing influence and creativity of the Indian film industry on the global stage.

As the cinematic journey of Indian filmmakers continues to captivate audiences, it’s clear that their storytelling prowess knows no bounds.