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- On Becoming a Guinea Fowl
On Becoming a Guinea Fowl
Rungano Nyoni’s follow-up to her BAFTA-winning debut I Am Not a Witch is a powerful and atmospheric tale of tradition, abuse and strength within a Zambian family.
Screening dates and booking
Credits
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Director-screenwriter
Rungano Nyoni
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With
Susan Chardy, Elizabeth Chisela, Henry B J Phiri
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Zambia-UK-Ireland 2024. 95min
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Courtesy of
A24
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Languages
Bemba, English
With English subtitles
Introduction
Driving home one night, Shula seems unfazed by the sight of her uncle’s dead body on the road. Later, while helping in funeral proceedings, her cool exterior melts as she questions her family’s complicity towards the abuse she and her cousins suffered. As Nyoni makes clear through this perceptive drama, silence breeds impunity. With touches of humour and surrealism, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl confirms her position as one of her generation’s most distinctive voices.
Diana Cipriano
Content warning
Contains sexual violence and distressing scenes.
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