Shula, recently returned to her hometown in Zambia, is driving home from a party one night when she discovers her uncle Fred’s body, mysteriously lying in the middle of the road. As family members gather for the funeral, Shula reunites with her cousins Nsansa and Bupe. As they spend time together, a shared trauma resurfaces. They soon realise their relatives have long suppressed or ignored the truth about Fred.
Writer-director Rungano Nyoni follows up her acclaimed debut I Am Not A Witch with a furious critique of patriarchal social norms. While tackling difficult themes, the film is loaded with strikingly surreal details, wry humour and emotionally-charged character moments – making this a vibrant, engrossing watch from a major cinematic voice.
Director: Rungano Nyoni
Starring: Susan Chardy, Roy Chisha, Blessings Bhamjee
Film info: 99 mins. Ireland / UK / USA / Zambia. 2024. 15A (IFCO) / 12 (BBFC)
In English and Bemba language, with English subtitles
“On Becoming A Guinea Fowl is a formally daring picture that blends fantasy, stylised drama and elements of black comedy to explore the societal pressures that rewrite the truth.” – Wendy Ide, Screen Daily
“Nyoni’s critique of her native country’s gender-based discrimination is as acerbic as it is unforgiving.” – Greg Nussen, Slant Magazine
