The short film delves into the inevitable impact that kids’ home lives and backgrounds have at school. Even in elementary school, children can glean the social and class divides that exist between them, but Gupta said, “Despite being hyper-aware of these differences at a young age, true friendships did blossom, and I really just wanted to talk about them.” Her ability to portray the intricacies of girlhood and young friendships so vividly while maintaining the story’s authenticity must be commended. Where many others would resort to on-the-nose writing to get their message across, Gupta leans into her lived experience.

Everything about the film, from its setting to the characters’ idiosyncrasies and vocal mannerisms, feels relatable and is, as Gupta put it, “steeped in the classic, everyday Indian family experience.” It’s rare to feel represented, not just culturally, but in experience, on the screen but ‘Jooyein’ created an experience that made that possible for me. I have no doubt that audiences everywhere, whether they’re young Indian girls or from completely different backgrounds, will be able to find a piece of themselves in this film.

Follow Vindhya Gupta to stay up to date on ‘Jooyein’ and her other projects here.

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