A Blackburn cinema is to host a special screening of a multiple award-winning drama, with its star actor also making an appearance.

The Reel Cinema will host an exclusive pre-release screening of ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ from 7.30pm on Monday, September 16, which will be followed by a live Q&A with rising star Preeti Panigrahi.

Directed by Shuchi Talati, the film won the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award: World Cinema Dramatic and the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting.

Manager of Reel Blackburn, Tajammal Shah, said: ”At Reel Cinemas we take pride in being at the heart of the community and it is great to be able to offer the people of Blackburn a special night out like this, at our usual affordable price. 

“We are looking forward to seeing film fans - including students from Blackburn College - on Monday."

 ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ will be released in UK cinemas from September 20. 

Star Preeti Panigrahi said: “Firsts are always special, but Girls Will be Girls is special for so many reasons. 

“It makes me feel like a part of changing times, inclusive stories and inclusive sets. I am so grateful to have begun my journey with such an incredible and empowering team.

“Every time I see the film, with a new audience, I take home a new perspective about the film and it amazes me to see what Shuchi has achieved.

“The audience response has been so heartwarming and diverse! Different people resonate with different characters in the film but I love it when they collectively gasp at the twists the film brings to them.

"I cannot wait for the film to grow, it is such a special story from the girls and for the girls.”

The film is directed by Shuchi Talati

The coming-of-age story is set in a strict boarding school nestled in the Himalayas, where 16-year-old Mira discovers desire and romance, however, her sexual, rebellious awakening is disrupted by her mother who never got to come of age herself. 

Shuchi Talati is a filmmaker from India whose work challenges dominant narratives around gender, sexuality, and South Asian identity.

You can find out more about attending the preview on the Reel Cinemas Blackburn website.