On Becoming A Guinea Fowl

Rungano Nyoni/ Zambia / 2024 / 95 min.

Cast: Susan Chardy, Elizabeth Chisela, Henry B.J. Phiri
Spoken: Bemba, English / Subtitles: English

During a nighttime drive on a deserted road, Shula suddenly collides with the lifeless body of a man. To her great surprise, it turns out to be her own uncle Fred. As she and her family come to terms with the shock and begin the mourning rituals in preparation for his funeral, a dark family secret slowly comes to light.

This film by Zambian-Welsh director Rungano Nyoni premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival. ‘On Becoming a Guinea Fowl’ is a social drama that uses a touch of surrealism and a healthy dose of black humor to skillfully portray the story of a traumatized family.