Zambian-Welsh filmmaker Rungano Nyoni's latest addition to Zambian cinema, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, is a 2024 Cannes Film Festival award-winner, backed by A24 Films.
Rungano Nyoni’s New Film - On Becoming a Guinea Fowl
Rungano Nyoni, the Zambian-Welsh filmmaker best known for her debut feature film, I Am Not a Witch (2017), has returned to the silver screen with her latest work, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl (2024). Nyoni’s new film has attracted significant attention, receiving recognition and awards at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, among others.
Premiere at Cannes
On Becoming a Guinea Fowl premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section, where it won the Best Director award, ex-aequo. This award is particularly noteworthy as Un Certain Regard only showcases films depicting ‘unusual styles and non-traditional stories’ on the international stage. The ex-aequo designation (meaning equal footing) signifies the award is shared, in this case, with director Roberto Minervini’s The Damned (2024). This rare honour underscores the film's exceptional originality and artistic merit.
The film was also well-received at other major festivals, including the Toronto Film Festival, New York Film Festival, and BFI London Film Festival. These platforms are renowned for spotlighting emerging talent and noteworthy films, further emphasising the global impact and relevance of Nyoni's latest work.
Plot in On Becoming a Guinea Fowl
In On Becoming a Guinea Fowl (2024), Nyoni continues her exploration of complex female protagonists. The story centres on Shula, a young woman who exposes dark family secrets following her uncle's unexpected death. The film masterfully intertwines taboo topics with expert storytelling as Shula grapples with the hidden abuses her family willfully ignores. The symbolic guinea fowl, a creature known for its role as nature’s alarm system, mirrors the film’s themes of justice and vigilance. This symbolic use of the guinea fowl enriches the narrative, connecting Shula’s personal journey with broader themes of awareness and truth.
Cultural Influences
Nyoni’s unique cultural perspective, shaped by her upbringing in Lusaka, Zambia, and later life in Wales, profoundly influences her narrative style. This dual cultural influence was evident in her debut film, I Am Not a Witch (2017), which poignantly depicted the plight of a young orphan girl falsely accused of witchcraft. Nyoni's ability to blend traditional Zambian elements with Western storytelling techniques continues to set her work apart in contemporary cinema.
Critical Acclaim and Distribution
Critics have lauded On Becoming a Guinea Fowl for its inventive storytelling and fresh perspective. In addition to its critical acclaim, the film has achieved a certified 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This remarkable accolade further solidifies Nyoni’s reputation as a filmmaker of exceptional talent, dispelling any notions that her debut was a solitary success.
The film has also been picked up by A24 Films, the independent production and distribution company behind Oscar-winning films like Minari (2020), Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), and Lady Bird (2017). With A24’s support, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is set to reach an even broader audience, allowing Nyoni’s thought-provoking and culturally resonant story to make a significant impact on global cinema.
Nyoni’s latest film not only highlights her remarkable storytelling prowess but also continues to bring attention to the rich cultural narratives emerging from Zambia. As she forges ahead with her unique cinematic voice, Nyoni remains a powerful force in the world of film, pushing boundaries and engaging audiences with her bold, evocative storytelling.
